Politics
2027: Atuku’s ambition, Zoning major hurdles as Coalition talks intensify
A reliable source involved in the coalition discussions revealed that the camps of 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Rivers State Governor, Rotimi Amaechi, were demanding that power should stay in the South for eight years.
The source revealed that the delay in negotiations was due to uncertainty surrounding whether Atiku would run.
According to him, the participants in the coalition drive, particularly from the South, were hesitant to fully engage in the discussions to avoid jeopardising their ambitions and zones.
Coalition moves unveiled
On Thursday, the 2023 presidential candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku; Labour Party’s Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition to oust President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
There had been a growing debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s administration. The discussion later gained momentum, as various political figures expressed differing views.
Atiku had consistently emphasised the need for unity among opposition parties.
In his comments on March 8, 2025 he revealed that he was actively working to unite opposition groups to form a coalition to remove the APC from power.
Following El-Rufai’s shift from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained momentum.
Atiku, along with other opposition figures, declared that the last Thursday gathering marked the official beginning of the coalition.
He said, “Yes, this is the birth of the coalition of opposition ahead of 2027.”
Other opposition leaders present at the press conference included a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh; and the Convener of the Alternative, Segun Showunmi, among others.
Among those involved in the coalition, but whose apologies for absence were noted, were leaders from the ruling APC, including former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); and the immediate past National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Abdullahi Adamu, among others.
Why talks stalled
Our source disclosed that negotiations were stalled because the key figures in the coalition discussions intended to run in the 2027 election.
He stated, “What I can tell you is that quite a lot of people are involved in the coalition. However, they fear zoning. You know that Obi and Amaechi are very much interested in replacing Tinubu, so their camps want power to remain in the South.
“Meanwhile, the Atiku camp is also pushing for the former Vice President to take another shot at the presidency in 2027. So, largely, the zoning issue and Atiku’s uncertain position on 2027 are stalling the negotiations.
“The southerners who want to replace Tinubu are afraid to get involved without knowing Atiku’s stance. If they get involved and, in the future, the coalition declares the race open to all, and Atiku grabs it like he did in 2019 and 2023 in the PDP, most of them would jeopardise their ambitions and potentially shortchange their region.
“This is why many are not participating openly or attending the meetings, like at the last press conference. So, that’s the situation. It’s one thing to agree on a coalition, as they have all agreed on the need for opposition political parties or their leaders to come together. But without clarifying whether they support another Southerner taking over from Tinubu (zoning), the discussion will remain unresolved. It may even give a few leaders reasons not to participate.”
Speaking on this, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, and a close ally of Obi confirmed the camp’s position, stating that stakeholders should support a Southern candidate to run in 2027.
Ahmeh expressed confidence that a Southern candidate could defeat Tinubu in 2027.
He stated, “We cannot disregard the unwritten agreement between the North and South. So, the best option for those of us in the coalition is to allow the South to complete their eight years, so that the North can come. So, we have to get a southern candidate with the momentum to lead the coalition.
“I am a northerner. By all definitions, by all geographical location, I am a northerner. But one thing I am stating clearly is that we already have an unwritten agreement. We agree that power shall rotate between the South and North. And it shall be on eight years basis. But it is not automatic because it is still subject to elections. People will contest elections, and Nigerians will decide.
“Parties involved in the coalition should be able to consider that this agreement is already there, and we should honour it. The North must understand that all it takes for a country to develop is the principle of understanding, sharing and co-existence, dictated by the fact that we carry and accommodate all corners, regions, and tribes of this country through consensus.
“But for now, since it exists, it is in our interest that we do not break that unwritten agreement. Because if we break it, and if a Northern is running on the mutual coalition discussion, I assure you that before 12 o’clock, there will be a consensus with the South to defeat that coalition.”
He insisted that for the coalition to grow into a majority and for the opposition to win the election, there must be an agreement for a southern candidate.
NNPP, PDP oppose zoning
Buba Galadima, a leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party and a close ally of the NNPP’s 2023 Presidential candidate, Rabiu Kwankwaso, clarified that there was no agreement between the North and South.
Galadima emphasized that opposition parties should focus on ensuring credible elections rather than worrying about the zones from which presidential candidates originated.
He stated, “I don’t discuss the North and I don’t discuss the South when I speak on democracy. Okay. If Tinubu is finishing and has done well, and Nigerians decide to vote for Seyi Tinubu, I have no grudge, provided that there is a free and fair election.
“I have no grudge because that is democracy. Opposition should be more concerned about credible election, than this North and South thing.
“And anybody who tells you there is any understanding or agreement between the North and South, tell him he’s a liar. And he doesn’t understand what democracy is. He doesn’t understand what politics is. As far as I am concerned, I am talking about democracy, I am not talking about North and South.”
The PDP Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, stated that the coalition ticket should be open to all Nigerians.
In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor claimed that President Tinubu, a Southerner, had damaged the economy, and therefore, coalition leaders should abandon the North-South zoning system.
APC, Atiku trade words over coalition
The APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, ridiculed the coalition discussions, stating that a building could not stand on a faulty foundation.
Ibrahim, while speaking to Sunday PUNCH, referred to Atiku as a contestant who was solely focused on his ambition.
He stated, “A building on a weak foundation cannot stand. So, the coalition is already faulty from the beginning. Atiku is always advancing just his interest. Atiku is just a contestant. He is not a democrat. He is a contestant as far as he is concerned. Everything he is doing, if it is not going to favor his candidature, he is not going to do it.
“So, he is not doing it in the interest of the nation. He is doing it in his own personal interest. Now, when personal interest supersedes national interest, there is just no way you can win the heart of the nation.
“So, no way, it won’t work. This thing has been done before. It failed, they are going to do it again, and they will fail.”
In response, the media adviser to the former Vice President, Paul Ibe, criticised the APC, stating that if the party had performed well in governance, there would be no need for coalition talks to remove them.
Addressing the suggestion that Atiku’s unclear stance on the 2027 presidency and zoning was hindering coalition negotiations, Ibe told Sunday PUNCH that the leaders involved would prioritise what was best for the nation.
He also urged stakeholders and Nigerians not to rush the process.
Atiku’s media adviser said, “It’s clear they (APC) don’t know what to do with the mandate given to them; instead, they are scheming for the future. Everything happening, from the declarations of state of emergency in Rivers State, to the destruction of the democratic space, stripping Nigeria of freedom and liberty, silencing people so that no one would have a voice. The emasculation of opposition parties is what they excel at—dividing Nigerians and creating instability.
“Prices are rising, and Nigerians can barely afford a meal. This situation makes you question the true agenda of the APC government. Is it to preside over the destruction, decimation, and obliteration of Nigeria? Is that why they sought power? They should focus on governance. If they had made something out of the mandate given to them, we wouldn’t be having this conversation.”
He explained that the main focus of all the leaders and stakeholders was to solidify the coalition.
“It’s not just about one individual; it’s a collective effort. I believe they are discussing what is best for them, so we shouldn’t preempt them. Let’s not put the cart before the horse. I believe the priority of all these leaders and stakeholders is how to firmly establish this coalition to have a robust one.
“The goal is to oust the All Progressives Congress (APC), and I believe that’s what’s most important to them right now, not what has been suggested so far,” he added.
…Alleges commissioner photographed vehicle before it was intercepted, burnt by gunmen
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate for Ezza South State Constituency in the forthcoming Ebonyi State House of Assembly election, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia Nwali, has raised serious allegations against the state Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, over the recent armed attack on his campaign convoy.
Rollins alleged that the Commissioner, who is also his elder brother, had photographed his Toyota Hilux and circulated the picture among certain individuals before the same vehicle was intercepted and completely burnt during the attack.
In a strongly worded statement responding to the Commissioner’s reaction to the incident, the Assembly candidate called on security agencies to investigate whether the circulation of the vehicle’s photograph had any connection with the attack.
He disclosed that he ordinarily travelled in the affected Hilux but had, by what he described as divine intervention, chosen another vehicle on the day of the incident.
“Why was my vehicle photographed and its photograph circulated? To whom was the photograph sent? Was it intended to identify or mark my vehicle?” he queried.
The NDC candidate, however, acknowledged that his suspicions were not proof of complicity, insisting that the circumstances surrounding the incident deserved thorough investigation.
Giving further insight into the attack, Rollins wondered what could have emboldened the assailants to confront a heavily secured motorcade, allegedly firing and reloading their weapons without fear of the security personnel accompanying him.
He expressed gratitude to God for sparing his life and commended the security operatives who contained the attack and evacuated members of his entourage.
The Assembly candidate also accused the Commissioner of having previously intimidated his supporters and allegedly frustrated his political ambitions since 2022.
According to him, their political differences began when he first consulted the Commissioner about his intention to contest the All Progressives Congress (APC) primaries in 2022.
He alleged that despite initially promising support, the Commissioner secretly worked against his ambition and disclosed confidential information about his consultations to political opponents.
Rollins further claimed that a similar development occurred in 2026 when he informed the Commissioner of his intention to recontest the APC primaries.
He said he subsequently left the APC, joined the NDC and secured its House of Assembly ticket.
In another allegation, the candidate claimed that a young man who made a Facebook video supporting his candidacy in August was abducted, taken to the Commissioner’s residence in Ameka and assaulted.
He alleged that evidence submitted by his party to security agencies included footage purportedly showing the Commissioner physically stepping on the victim’s head.
The allegations have not been independently established.
Rollins also recalled a private meeting during which he allegedly appealed to the Commissioner to allow his supporters to exercise their political rights without intimidation.
He claimed that during the discussion, the Commissioner told him that Governor Francis Nwifuru had instructed him to ensure the victory of the incumbent Assembly member at all costs.
The candidate, however, said he immediately expressed disbelief over the alleged claim attributed to the Governor.
Speaking on the Commissioner’s reaction to the attack, Rollins expressed disappointment that his elder brother allegedly failed to contact him to ascertain his safety but instead publicly questioned the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He particularly faulted the Commissioner’s alleged description of the attackers as political associates armed with sticks and machetes.
Rollins questioned why young people should be encouraged to confront armed security operatives in the name of politics while those benefiting from their political activities remained away from the confrontation.
He also rejected suggestions that his political ambition was responsible for creating divisions between Kpakpaji and Izzikworo, maintaining that the people of Ezza South should be allowed to determine their representatives through the ballot.
According to him, no political appointee has the constitutional authority to determine who should contest an election or compel citizens to support a particular candidate.
“My constitutional rights are not privileges granted by anyone, and my political future is not subject to his or anyone else’s permission,” he declared.
In a particularly strong appeal, Rollins called on the Inspector-General of Police, Director-General of the Department of State Services and National Security Adviser to take note of his concerns about his personal safety and that of his family.
He urged the security agencies to investigate the Commissioner’s possible involvement in the attack and hold accountable anyone found to have sponsored, facilitated or participated in the incident.
The NDC candidate maintained that his political ambition should not become a death sentence, insisting that he was prepared to accept defeat at the polls if the electorate rejected him in a free contest.
He called for a comprehensive investigation into the attack, including the circumstances surrounding the alleged circulation of his vehicle’s photograph before it was burnt.
The allegations against Commissioner Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali remain claims made by the candidate and have not been established by any investigative or judicial finding. His response to these specific allegations was not contained in the statement.
…Says Political Disagreements Must Not Lead to Loss of Lives
The National Democratic Congress (NDC) House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency in Ebonyi State, Hon. (Chief) Kevin Tobias Chukwu, has called on security agencies to investigate the reported attack on the party’s State Assembly candidate for Ezza South, Barr. Rollins Ovu-unata Offia-Nwali.
Chukwu said the incident, which reportedly left one person dead, several others injured and a vehicle burnt, raised serious concerns about the safety of political actors and their supporters ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Sunday, October 25, 2026, the federal constituency candidate condemned political intimidation and violence, insisting that residents must be allowed to participate in the democratic process without fear.
He expressed gratitude to God for the survival of Offia-Nwali and others who reportedly escaped the incident, while extending condolences to the family of the deceased and wishing those injured a speedy recovery.
“As the NDC House of Representatives candidate for Ezza South/Ikwo Federal Constituency, I consider this incident a matter of the utmost seriousness. It occurred within the federal constituency I seek to represent, and I cannot remain silent when the safety, freedom and constitutional rights of our people are threatened,” he said.
Chukwu maintained that Ezza South belonged to its people and should not be treated as the political territory of any individual, officeholder or party.
He stressed that every citizen had the constitutional right to contest elections, support candidates, associate freely and participate in political activities without intimidation.
The NDC candidate expressed concern that the incident had generated political exchanges and accusations rather than a united demand for truth, accountability and justice.
He noted that allegations raised by Offia-Nwali against the Commissioner, Oguzorkanu Offia-Nwali, reportedly involving intimidation of political supporters, an earlier assault on a supporter and circumstances surrounding the identification and subsequent destruction of a vehicle, required an independent investigation.
Chukwu, however, cautioned against treating the allegations as established facts before the conclusion of investigations.
“These allegations must be independently investigated. They should neither be dismissed because of the political positions of those involved nor accepted as established facts without evidence,” he said.
He called on the Inspector-General of Police, the Director-General of the Department of State Services (DSS) and the National Security Adviser to ensure a thorough investigation into the incident.
According to him, the investigation should establish the circumstances surrounding the reported death, identify those responsible for the attack and determine whether any individual or group planned, sponsored, encouraged or facilitated the violence.
“No political office should confer immunity from investigation, and no political disagreement should become a death sentence,” he added.
Chukwu also appealed to political leaders and stakeholders in Ezza South and Ikwo to discourage threats
…Accuses Ebonyi Governor of Poor Performance, Challenges Him to Public Debate
The campaign organisation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, has rejected calls for its principal to withdraw from the 2027 governorship race, insisting that Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru should instead reconsider his re-election bid.
The organisation, known as Anyi Ga Eme Ya, described the call by former Commissioner for Information and State Orientation, Hon. Barr. Uchenna Orji, for Odii to step aside in the interest of zoning as misplaced.
It accused the Nwifuru administration of lacking direction and failing to deliver on its promises, challenging the governor to a public debate ahead of the 2027 election.
The campaign organisation made its position known in a statement reacting to Orji’s comments on zoning and the outcome of the Ebonyi State Leaders and Stakeholders Political Summit held on October 20, 2026.
It argued that the governor’s performance should be the primary consideration in determining who governs the state beyond 2027, rather than political arrangements allegedly designed to favour the incumbent.
According to the organisation, Ebonyi residents deserve leadership with a clear development agenda, accountability and a commitment to improving their welfare.
Questions Government Projects, Aircraft Purchase
The campaign organisation cited the Vanco flyover project as one of the issues it believes reflects the shortcomings of the current administration.
It also questioned the status of three aircraft which it alleged the state government announced it had purchased nearly two years ago, demanding clarification on their whereabouts and delivery.
On the proposed Ebonyi New Cement Company at Nkalagu, the organisation called on the government to provide verifiable information about the project’s status, including the relevant licences and preliminary technical assessments.
It argued that establishing a cement manufacturing plant requires extensive geological investigations and other technical evaluations, insisting that the government should clarify the level of progress made.
The organisation maintained that the electorate should assess the administration based on verifiable achievements and its handling of projects and commitments.
The claims and questions raised by the campaign organisation were not independently verified in the statement.
Rejects Zoning Argument, Faults Stakeholders’ Summit
Reacting to Orji’s argument that Odii should withdraw to respect the rotation of the governorship among Ebonyi North, Ebonyi Central and Ebonyi South senatorial zones, the campaign organisation dismissed the position as politically motivated.
It also described the October 20 stakeholders’ summit as a “kangaroo summit”, alleging that its organisers were seeking to secure support for Nwifuru’s second-term ambition.
The organisation accused Orji and other supporters of the governor’s re-election bid of placing political interests above the welfare and aspirations of ordinary residents.
It insisted that the choice of the next governor should be determined by leadership records, policy proposals, development priorities and the electorate’s decision.
The campaign team added that Odii remained committed to contesting the 2027 election and would not abandon his ambition in response to calls for his withdrawal.
Alleges Intimidation of Opposition
The Anyi Ga Eme Ya organisation also raised concerns about what it described as an atmosphere of intimidation against opposition politicians in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.
It alleged that Nwifuru had threatened to sack local government chairmen who failed to deliver their areas during the election, describing the alleged threat as an attempt to pressure council officials into supporting the governor’s political ambition.
The organisation further cited reported killings in Ohaukwu and attacks in Ezza South, Onicha and Ivo local government areas as issues requiring attention.
It also condemned a reported restriction on opposition parties’ campaigns in the state, arguing that political parties should be allowed to canvass for votes in accordance with democratic principles and the law.
The organisation called on the relevant authorities to protect political actors and their supporters, ensure the safety of residents and prevent political disagreements from escalating into violence.
It urged security agencies and other relevant institutions to ensure that political activities ahead of the election take place in a peaceful environment.
The allegations concerning threats against local government chairmen and restrictions on opposition campaigns were not independently verified.
Warns Against Misuse of Odii’s Name
The campaign organisation also cautioned individuals against using Odii’s name to seek government favour, political patronage or personal benefits.
It reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as an alternative leadership agenda focused on development, accountability and citizens’ welfare.
The organisation said the debate over zoning should not overshadow public scrutiny of the incumbent administration’s record and the policy proposals of candidates seeking to govern the state.
Challenges Nwifuru to Public Debate
As part of its response to calls for Odii’s withdrawal, the campaign organisation challenged Nwifuru to participate in a public debate with the PDP candidate ahead of the 2027 governorship election.
It said the proposed debate would provide both politicians with an opportunity to explain their records, present their policies and outline their plans for Ebonyi State.
According to the organisation, the engagement would enable voters to compare the candidates’ positions on governance and development before making their choices.
It maintained that the governor should be prepared to defend his administration’s record before the electorate rather than rely solely on political endorsements and zoning arguments.
The campaign organisation reiterated that Odii would continue to engage residents on his governorship ambition and urged them to participate in the electoral process without fear or intimidation.
The statement was signed by the Anyi Ga Eme Ya Campaign Organisation on behalf of Odii, the PDP governorship candidate in Ebonyi State.
The Ebonyi State Government has effectively restricted political campaigns and gatherings in Ezza South Local Government Area, directing political parties and groups to obtain prior approval from the council chairman before holding such events.
The directive, issued by the Chairman of Ezza South Local Government Area, Hon. Chinedu Mkpuma, follows a recent security breach in Amaezekwe community amid growing concerns over political violence ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement made available to journalists in Abakaliki, Mkpuma expressed dismay over the security situation and said the measure was necessary to protect lives and property, maintain public order and prevent further security breaches.
He acknowledged the constitutional rights of citizens to freedom of association and peaceful assembly but warned that political gatherings in the local government area must henceforth receive prior approval from his office.
The chairman added that violations of the directive would attract appropriate action in accordance with the law.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party governorship candidate, Eze Oko, has condemned the reported killings and alleged attacks on opposition parties in the state, calling on political leaders to end violence and intimidation.
Oko questioned why opposition members were allegedly being targeted and urged youths to resist attempts by politicians to use them as instruments of violence.
He called for a level playing field for all political parties and candidates, insisting that political competition should be based on ideas, manifestos and records of performance rather than violence.
The LP candidate also cautioned political leaders against inflammatory statements capable of fuelling tension during the electioneering period.
He urged candidates seeking re-election to allow their achievements to speak for them instead of allegedly engaging political thugs to intimidate opponents.
Oko further appealed to youths to reject political thuggery and violence, while extending his condolences to the families of those reportedly killed in the incident.
The development comes as political activities begin to gather momentum ahead of the 2027 general elections, with renewed calls for security agencies to investigate reported attacks and ensure that all political parties can operate without intimidation.
The Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator David Umahi, has declared that 2027 is not the South-East’s turn to produce Nigeria’s president, insisting that former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, is not the region’s best presidential candidate.
Umahi, who made the declaration during an interview with ARISE News on Friday, defended South-East political leaders supporting President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid, maintaining that their political choices should not be interpreted as betrayal of the Igbo presidential ambition.
“Peter Obi is not the best of our finest in South East. He’s not the best, he can never be the best,” Umahi declared.
The minister faulted Obi’s approach to the 2023 presidential election, alleging that he failed to adequately consult governors and other influential political stakeholders in the South-East before pursuing his ambition.
“You cannot play politics in South East without consulting people like us,” he maintained.
According to Umahi, any presidential aspirant seeking to represent the collective aspirations of the region must first engage critical stakeholders and build the necessary political consensus.
He argued that Obi’s performance in the 2023 presidential election did not automatically make him the South-East’s most qualified presidential candidate, stressing that the region boasts several other capable political figures.
Umahi also questioned why Anambra State should be given preferential consideration whenever the opportunity arises for the South-East to produce Nigeria’s president.
Citing Nigeria’s first President, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, who hailed from the area now constituting Anambra State, the minister maintained that Ebonyi, Enugu, Abia and Imo states equally deserve consideration in future presidential arrangements.
On the growing support for Tinubu among South-East political leaders ahead of 2027, Umahi dismissed allegations that those backing the president had abandoned the region’s political interests.
He insisted that the South-East’s path to the presidency lies in strategic negotiations, consensus-building and alliances with other geopolitical zones rather than presenting loyalty to Obi as the ultimate test of commitment to the Igbo cause.
The former Ebonyi governor had earlier challenged comparisons between himself and Obi during a political engagement in Benin City in September, declaring that he saw no area in which the former Anambra governor was superior to him.
While expressing confidence that the South-East would eventually produce Nigeria’s president, Umahi maintained that the region’s opportunity had not yet arrived, insisting that “it is not yet our turn.”
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