By Miracle Ogunde
In its efforts to wrestle power from the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general elections, opposition parties are prepared to unveil a mega coalition this year to unseat the current administration.
According to reports, discussions on the coalition involve key stakeholders from the North and South, including opposition parties, APC defectors, and civil society groups.
PUNCH gathered from reliable sources that while strategies remain undisclosed to avoid suppression by the APC, there is a growing belief that the ruling party’s policies have made it vulnerable.
Also, the opposition figures said the northern stakeholders, in particular, are inclined towards a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu, arguing that his administration’s policies had disproportionately affected their region.
Among those confirming these talks are the Director General of the National Consultative Front, Olawale Okunniyi; the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Ralph Okey-Nwosu; and former presidential aide and civil society leader, Dr. Usman Bugaje.
Okunniyi revealed that consultations include members of the APC, Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and youth movements.
He stated that a national summit of political stakeholders is scheduled for May, after which a large-scale opposition movement will be unveiled—either through the adoption of an existing party or the formation of a new one.
Okunniyi, while defending the influence of the Third Force—which he claimed propelled the Labour Party in 2023, asserted that the LP won the last election but was denied victory due to alleged rigging.
“We have engaged the ruling government in various ways, either as a Third Force or a strong opposition. But what is emerging now is a well-coordinated effort involving APC defectors, PDP, LP, NNPP, and youth groups. The goal is to safeguard democracy, build a productive political system, and create a powerful opposition—just as the APC once did to unseat the previous government.
“We are targeting June or July, following our national summit in May. This summit will bring together key figures to shape the future of what will be a formidable, ultra-mega opposition movement. Expect something concrete by July,” Okunniyi said.
He also hinted at the involvement of major political figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, stating that both are actively consulting on their roles in the movement.
“We could adopt any of the existing parties—it might even be the PDP. However, rebranding and restructuring the leadership of such a party would be essential. Discussions with party leaders would be necessary to ensure they are open to such changes.”
ADC National Chairman Okey-Nwosu confirmed coalition talks but emphasised the need for discretion, wary of the APC’s alleged attempts to disrupt opposition efforts.
“Opposition forces are mobilising because the current administration is weak. Nigerians are hungry, suffering, and disillusioned under this government. A citizens’ movement will emerge to reclaim the country in 2027.”
He alleged that the APC is actively working to undermine opposition parties, forcing coalition organisers to operate discreetly.
“We know the APC is trying to dismantle existing parties. Many involved in coalition talks prefer to keep things under wraps because the ruling party is using every tool to retain power rather than relying on good governance,” he added.
Bugaje, a prominent northern stakeholder, echoed similar sentiments, expressing dissatisfaction with Tinubu’s leadership.
“The North is deeply unhappy with the current administration. A viable alternative will emerge before the 2027 elections, either gradually or in a significant way,” he told The PUNCH.
Despite the mounting opposition, the Tinubu administration remains defiant. The presidency frequently dismisses critics such as Atiku and Obi, accusing them of political desperation.
Atiku recently accused Tinubu’s administration of suppressing opposition voices and attempting to bribe opposition leaders with ₦50 million to destabilize their parties ahead of 2027. He also alleged that state institutions were being weaponized for political advantage.
Meanwhile, presidential aide Sunday Dare condemned the opposition’s tactics, labeling them a “Machiavellian scheme.”
“If they believe they have the support of the people, they should wait until 2027 and test their popularity at the polls,” Dare said.
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