The opposition coalition is facing hurdles as Atiku, Obi, and Amaechi’s presidential ambitions stall agreement on an accepted political party.
The opposition coalition opposing President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is facing new challenges as a clash of interests among its main promoters has hindered the group’s final selection of its preferred political party.
According to reports, the group were unable to agree on a political party due to the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate in the 2023 general election; Mr Peter Obi; and former Minister of Transportation, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.
The group was planned to meet on May 30, 2025, but was unable to do so due to this development.
An investigation indicated that the coalition members were divided between adopting the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and forming a new political party, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA).
According to media reports, Atiku, former governor of Edo State John Oyegun, former governor of Sokoto State Aminu Bello Tambuwal, and former governor of Osun State Rauf Aregbesola are the driving forces behind the campaign to embrace the ADC.
According to reports, Amaechi and the League of Northern Democrats (LND) are pushing for the registration of ADA.
However, the key characters’ presidential ambitions are alleged to have blocked any final decision on which party to support.
It was also gathered that the mood of the nation at the moment is that the presidency should remain in the South to complete the North-South rotation arrangement.
A source privy to the permutations told reporters that the attempt by Atiku’s camp to draft Obi as his running mate in the 2027 general election failed due to this consideration.
Atiku, it was learnt, has been unable to get another alternative running mate from the South-east.
While Atiku is said to have considered an Amaechi option a potential failure, the likes of Emeka Ihedioha, Osita Chidoka, and other potential running mates from the South-east who are believed to be working for the former vice president are said to be concerned about the adverse effects of being seen to be working against Obi.
Ex-governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is also said to have been overwhelmed by agitation for the presidency to remain in the South.
According to a source, ”if Atiku drops his ambition and nominates a running mate from the north to run with Obi, the coalition might make headway.
He listed Governor Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State, Governor Lawal of Zamfara State, and former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, as Obi’s potential running mate if Atiku drops his ambition.
However, Atiku’s spokesman, Mr Paul Ibe, told news reporters that the issue of presidential ambition is secondary, as it amounts to “putting the horse before the cart.”
