Opposition parties and groups are joining forces to form a powerful coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Naija News has learned that a united coalition dubbed the “Mother of Opposition Alliances” is seeking to counter the APC’s hold on power.
My lord. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, has announced plans to form a coalition government, saying he will proceed with it regardless of whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is involved.
Segun Shonmi, a former spokesperson for the defunct Atiku Abubakar Movement Organisation, also launched the National Coalition of Opposition Movements (NOMC), also known as Alternative.
The initiative aims to restore democracy in Nigeria and strengthen opposition efforts.
The United Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP) expressed its full support to the alliance and underlined its commitment to join forces with like-minded groups to challenge the APC and Tinubu’s leadership in 2027.
All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) founder Chief Chekwas Okolie added that the political realignment is likely to take shape by mid-2025.
The National Collaborative Front (NCFront) also declared its readiness to lead the creation of a mega-opposition movement involving various political parties and stakeholders in preparation for the 2027 elections.
Opposition parties rally without PDP support
My lord. Ikenga Imo Ugochinyere, representing Ideato Federal Constituency in Imo State, has revealed his plans for a coalition government, insisting that the formation of a coalition government will proceed regardless of whether the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) joins or not.
Ugochinyere criticized the current leadership of the PDP, arguing that it lacks the capacity to function as a credible opposition party, especially as Nigeria’s challenges grow.
Speaking from his home town of Akokwa, Mr. Ugotinyere expressed dissatisfaction with the recent support of PDP governors to the National Working Committee (NWC) led by Ambassador Umaru Damagum.
He accused the party leadership of acting under the influence of federal ministers to weaken the party and vowed to mobilize forces to restore the PDP’s role as an opposition party.
“We will return to the trenches of the law and continue to challenge the continued stay of Mr. Damagum and Mr. Samuel Anyanwu so that future generations will appreciate our efforts.”
“Even if our elders cannot stand up and tell Wike to stop this nonsense, we will stand up. We are combining all our forces. It will be a decisive battle,” he said. We have to end this nonsense. Opposition leaders, PDP or not, are ready,” he submitted.
The start of the “alternative” movement
Meanwhile, former spokesperson for the PDP’s 2023 presidential candidate, Otunba Segun Shonmi, has launched the National Opposition Movement Coalition (NOMC), also known as “Alternative”.
Speaking at the launch in Abuja, Shaunmi outlined the coalition’s mission to restore electoral integrity, give ideological direction to political actors and rebuild voter confidence.
“There is an urgent need for a platform that engages political actors, national stakeholders, academia, civil society, the media, political parties themselves, democratic institutions in other countries, and all those who can contribute to the health and sustainability of our country,” he said. It is needed.” Democracy. We established the iNational Opposition Coalition.
“This has become necessary because it is clear that those elected to the Opposition have not shown the courage to tackle issues that affect the country and the well-being of the public.”
Unlike political parties, NOMC aims to serve as a civic platform for engaging with politicians, civil society and democratic institutions.
CUPP and other groups support the alliance
The United Coalition of Political Parties (CUPP), represented by Secretary of State Peter Ameh, supports the alliance.
Mr. Ame described the initiative as a necessary step to save Nigeria from APC rule, which is 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 take on the APC and Tinubu in 2027.” Ta.
“We believe that the time has come for Nigerians to unite and demand better governance. The current situation, characterized by economic hardship, insecurity and corruption, is unacceptable. As CUPP, we He has been at the forefront of the struggle to liberate Nigeria from the clutches of evil and corrupt governance.
“We welcome any initiative that helps strengthen efforts to dismantle this country’s corrupt regime. The Mother of Opposition Alliance is a step in the right direction and we are an important part of it.” I am doing my best to fulfill my role.
“Our goal is clear: to rescue Nigeria from the misrule of APC and Tinubu and forge a new era of good governance, transparency and accountability. We are confident that with the support of Nigerians, we will achieve this goal. I am confident that we can achieve this and build a better future for this country.
“The time has come for Nigerians to rise up to save their beloved country from misgovernment and corruption.”
Similarly, Chief Chekwas Okolie, founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), predicts a significant political realignment by mid-2025.
Mr. Okolie emphasized the importance of cooperation among like-minded political groups, noting that APGA is currently focusing on internal restructuring.
However, he clarified that APGA is not inclined towards mergers, but supports coalitions aimed at promoting equity, justice and national unity.
Mr. Okolie said, “I have known for a long time that some groups are holding all kinds of meetings to corner political power. We have been predicting that there will be a realignment of political forces by the turn of the second quarter.
“Politics has been loosely defined as concentric circles of intrigue. But we are surprised that the build-up to the 2027 general election has begun sooner than expected. There are many factors contributing to the country’s political backlash. Some of us are still observing and analyzing how things unfold.
“It is too early for APGA to enter this fray. Our party has not yet wiped away the vestiges of a long-term leadership crisis that has led the party astray from the path of its original vision and mission. It faces the burden of repositioning and equipping the party with the necessary political tools to make it attractive for political engagement.
“APGA is rooted in an ideology with a clear identity and focus.
“It makes political sense for like-minded political parties to cooperate or associate in some way.” I can say without a doubt that I am willing to engage in constructive political engagement to create a progressive coalition that delivers justice, equality, and civil rights.”
NCFront powers large-scale political campaigns
The National Collaborative Front (NCFront) has played a leading role in forming a broad political movement.
NCFront spokesperson Malam Khamis Santoulaki said the platform is designed to bring together trusted leaders from various political parties, including the APC, PDP, Labor Party and dissatisfied elements within the NNPP. revealed.
Santuraki said the effort began on February 6, 2024, coinciding with the birthday of Professor Pat Utomi, chairman of the Coalition’s Fusion Commission.
Santoulaki said the group is “at the forefront of promoting the formation and launch of a new super-political movement of various opposition forces and opposition figures in the country in the lead-up to the 2027 elections.” Ta.
“The initiative of the New Mega Opposition Platform now includes: Only leaders and individuals are participating to create a new Nigeria that works for everyone.
“The process began on February 6, 2024, coinciding with the birthday of Nigeria’s main opposition leader, Professor Pat Utomi. I am the chairman of the amalgamation committee comprised of opposition figures of the political parties” who are fully credible and wholeheartedly opposed to the anti-democratic policies of the Tinubu-led APC government. ”