Atiku’s coalition raises alarm, accusing PDP governors of betraying democracy and working against opposition unity. Find out who’s allegedly behind the sabotage. Read full.
A powerful coalition of opposition forces loyal to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused governors of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of betraying Nigeria’s democratic values and secretly aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to undermine opposition efforts ahead of the 2027 general election.
In a fiery statement issued Wednesday, the coalition, represented by former APC chieftain and political strategist Salihu Moh. Lukman, claimed that instead of offering leadership, the PDP Governors’ Forum is actively working to sabotage plans for a broad-based opposition alliance, which includes high-profile figures such as Peter Obi, Nasir el-Rufai, Babachir Lawal, Abdullahi Adamu, Rotimi Amaechi, and Kayode Fayemi.
Reacting to the PDP governors’ resolution rejecting any merger talks during their April 14 meeting, Lukman warned that the governors are positioning themselves as spoilers, enabling Tinubu’s reelection bid by suppressing internal party reforms and frustrating coalition building efforts.
“These governors are not just indifferent—they are active agents in the collapse of democracy. They’ve hijacked PDP’s structures, paralyzed its NEC, and turned the once-mighty party into a political tool for Tinubu’s 2027 ambition,” Lukman declared.
He further alleged that the refusal of PDP governors to support the coalition’s efforts is not just political negligence but a deliberate plot. He cited Nyesom Wike, now a top minister in Tinubu’s cabinet, as the prime example of PDP’s internal sabotage.
“Wike’s mission wasn’t just to join Tinubu’s government—it was to destroy any chance of PDP producing a strong presidential candidate in 2027. And sadly, the rest of the governors are playing along,” Lukman said.
According to the coalition, PDP’s rot runs deep. The party hasn’t held a NEC meeting in two years, and no clear leadership is visible. Lukman described it as a party on “auto-pilot,” whose governors usurp constitutional powers meant for internal organs.
He warned that this breakdown has made Nigeria’s political space dangerously one-sided.
“A party that ruled Nigeria for 16 years is now barely coherent. The arrogance of PDP governors and their refusal to rebuild trust with citizens is what has brought us here. If care is not taken, they’ll bury the opposition for good,” he warned.
Despite the hostility, Lukman stressed that the coalition remains open to genuine partners. He urged patriotic politicians to abandon partisan loyalty and unite in saving Nigeria’s democracy, before it’s too late.
“This is not about Atiku, Obi, or any individual. This is about restoring political negotiation, building institutional trust, and rescuing a dying democracy. Every serious political actor must wake up,” he added.
Lukman also stated that the coalition’s structure and action plan will be unveiled soon, promising it will present the strongest challenge yet to APC’s dominance.
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