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Ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, opposition parties and groups are joining forces to form a strong coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Naija News learnt that the unified coalition dubbed the “mother of opposition alliance” seeks to challenge the APC’s hold on power.
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, announced plans to form the coalition, which he said would proceed with or without the involvement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Segun Showunmi, former spokesperson for the defunct Atiku Abubakar Campaign Organisation, has also launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), known as ‘The Alternative’.
This initiative aims to restore Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen opposition efforts.
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has expressed full support for the alliance, emphasizing its commitment to joining forces with like-minded groups to challenge the APC and Tinubu’s leadership in 2027.
Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), added that political realignments would likely take shape by mid-2025.
The National Consultative Front (NCFront) has also declared its readiness to lead the creation of a mega opposition movement involving various parties and stakeholders to prepare for the 2027 elections.
Opposition Rallies Without PDP Support
Hon. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, revealed plans for the coalition, asserting that its formation would proceed with or without the participation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Ugochinyere criticized the PDP’s current leadership, alleging that it lacks the capacity to serve as a credible opposition, especially amidst Nigeria’s mounting challenges.
Speaking from his hometown, Akokwa, Ugochinyere expressed frustration over PDP governors’ recent endorsement of the Ambassador Umar Damagum-led National Working Committee (NWC).
He accused the leadership of acting under the influence of a federal minister to weaken the party, vowing to mobilize forces to reclaim the PDP’s opposition role.
“We will return to the legal trenches, we will continue to challenge the continued stay of Damagum and Samuel Anyanwu, so that posterity will reckon with our efforts
“If our elders cannot rise to tell Wike to stop this nonsense, we will rise. We are mobilising all forces; it will be a decisive battle, we must end this nonsense. PDP or no PDP, opposition leaders are ready,” he submitted.
Launch of ‘The Alternative’ Movement
Meanwhile, Otunba Segun Showunmi, former spokesperson for PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, has launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also called ‘The Alternative’.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Showunmi outlined the coalition’s mission to restore electoral integrity, provide ideological direction for political actors, and rebuild voter confidence.
He stated, “There is an urgent need for a platform to engage political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, the political parties themselves, democratic institutions of other nations and all who can contribute to the wellness and sustainability of our democracy. We have created iNational Opposition Movement Coalition.
“This has become necessary as it is obvious that those who are elected members of the opposition have not shown the courage to take on the issues that affect the country and the well-being of the masses.”
Unlike a political party, NOMC aims to serve as a civic platform to engage politicians, civil society, and democratic institutions.
CUPP and Other Groups Endorse Alliance
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), represented by its National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, has thrown its weight behind the alliance.
Ameh described the initiative as a necessary step to rescue Nigeria from the APC’s governance, which he characterized as marred by economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption.
He said: “As a key player in the opposition, CUPP is fully committed to joining forces with other like-minded groups to form a strong coalition that can challenge the APC and Tinubu in 2027.
“We believe that the time has come for Nigerians to come together and demand better governance. The current state of affairs, marked by economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption, is unacceptable. As CUPP, we have been at the forefront of the struggle to emancipate Nigeria from the clutches of bad and corrupt governance.
“We welcome all initiatives that can help strengthen our efforts to dismantle the corrupt regime in the country. The Mother of opposition alliance is a step in the right direction, and we are committed to playing a key role in it.
“Our goal is clear: To rescue Nigeria from the APC and Tinubu’s misrule and enthrone a new era of good governance, transparency, and accountability. We are confident that with the support of Nigerians, we can achieve this goal and build a better future for our country.
“It is time for Nigerians to rise up to save our dear country from bad governance and corruption.”
Similarly, Chief Chekwas Okorie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), foresees significant political realignments by mid-2025.
While noting APGA’s current focus on internal restructuring, Okorie emphasized the importance of collaboration among like-minded political entities.
However, he clarified that APGA is not inclined toward mergers but would support coalitions aimed at promoting equity, justice, and national unity.
Okorie said: “I have been aware for a long time that meetings of all sorts have been going on by several groups to corner political power. I have projected on every occasion that this matter came up that there would be a realignment of political forces by the turn of the second quarter of 2025.
“Politics has been loosely defined as concentric circles of conspiracies. I am, however, surprised that the posturing for the 2027 general elections started earlier than expected. Many factors may be responsible for political restiveness in the country. Some of us are still watching and analyzing things as they unfold.
“It is still early for APGA to jump into the fray. Our party is yet to dust off the vestiges of prolonged leadership crises, which derailed the Party from the path of its original vision and mission. We are faced with the onerous responsibility to reposition the party and adorn it with the necessary political paraphernalia for it to be attractive for political engagement.
“APGA is ideologically rooted with a distinct identity and focus.
“It makes political sense for political parties of like minds to collaborate or corporate one way or the other. I can say without equivocation that APGA is not cut out for political merger but will not mind a constructive political engagement to engender a progressive coalition government that will usher in national unity, rapid development, equity, justice, equality of citizens and citizenship rights.”
NCFront Leads Push for Mega Political Movement
The National Consultative Front (NCFront) has taken a leadership role in forming a broad-based political movement.
Mallam Hamisu Santuraki, NCFront’s spokesperson, revealed that the platform is designed to bring together credible leaders from various political parties, including disaffected elements within the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and NNPP.
According to Santuraki, the initiative began on February 6, 2024, coinciding with the birthday of Prof. Pat Utomi, who chairs the coalition’s Fusion Committee.
Santuraki, said the group is at “the forefront of driving the formation and launching of a new ultra mega political movement of opposition stakeholders and elements from various opposition political parties in the country ahead of the 2027 elections.”
“The initiative of the New Mega Opposition Platform is presently involving only leaders and individuals deemed credible and committed to the cause of popular and genuine democracy in the interest of impoverished people and citizens in creating a new Nigeria that works for all.
“That process was initiated on February 6, 2024 to coincide with the Birthday of a leading opposition leader in Nigeria, Prof Pat Utomi, who’s the chair of the Fusion Committee of opposition stakeholders from various political parties including the APC, PDP, LP and NNPP, who are credible enough and genuinely opposed to the anti democratic policies of the Tinubu-led APC government.”
