In an electrifying twist that promises to reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has once again positioned himself as the maverick force within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). With a legacy as storied as it is controversial, Atiku’s latest push for a sweeping coalition to defeat President Bola Tinubu has ignited a fierce debate within the party—one that echoes the longstanding fissures which have, over the years, stymied the PDP’s progress.
A Divisive Figure Amidst Turbulent Times
Atiku’s career has been a study in contrasts: heralded as a statesman by supporters, yet condemned as a divisive opportunist by many within his own ranks. Since 2015, his presidential ambitions have repeatedly been accused of clogging the wheel of progress for the PDP.
Critics argue that his perennial quest for national leadership has not only fragmented the party but also undermined strategic cohesion, leaving the PDP vulnerable in the ever-evolving battleground of Nigerian politics.
The current coalition talks are no exception. By advocating for a unified front against Tinubu, Atiku has, perhaps predictably, ruffled feathers among party stalwarts who view his manoeuvres as a bid to sideline internal dissent and centralise power around his own brand of populism.
The Coalition Controversy: A Clash of Visions
At the heart of the current storm lies a dramatic showdown. On March 20, in a high-profile announcement, Atiku, alongside former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai, unveiled plans for a formidable coalition aimed at toppling President Tinubu in the 2027 poll.
However, just days later, the PDP Governors’ Forum—chaired by Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed—issued a stern communique from their meeting in Ibadan, declaring unequivocally that the party would not join any coalition or merger.
This abrupt disavowal by 11 PDP governors underscores a deep-seated tension: while Atiku’s vision is presented by loyalists as one of an all-encompassing pan-Nigerian movement, many within the party are fiercely protective of the PDP’s identity and historical legacy.
Governor Mohammed’s emphatic statement not only reaffirms the party’s independence but also extends an olive branch to any prospective allies outside the PDP’s fold.
“The PDP, as a major opposition party, welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it in the pursuit of reclaiming power and establishing good leadership in 2027,” he declared.
Such resolute defiance is a stark reminder that internal divisions have long plagued the PDP, a predicament often attributed to Atiku’s individualistic approach to politics.
Inside the PDP: Past and Present Strife
The recent coalition saga is not an isolated incident but rather the latest chapter in a protracted internal struggle. Since the turbulent 2015 electoral debacle, the PDP has been dogged by internal crises and factionalism. Atiku’s repeated bids for the presidency have frequently exacerbated these divisions, polarising the party’s membership and distracting from a coherent national strategy.
The current crisis over the national secretary position—where the appointment of Sunday Ude-Okoye was both celebrated and fiercely contested—exemplifies this ongoing dissonance.
The matter escalated to the Supreme Court when dissenting voices, led by Senator Samuel Anyanwu, challenged what many saw as the erosion of democratic norms within the party.
Although the apex court’s intervention reaffirmed that internal party disputes should not be subject to judicial resolution, the controversy has left an indelible mark on the party’s internal dynamics.
The PDP Governors’ Forum’s decision to endorse the acting capacity of Deputy National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo—pending the nomination of a substantive secretary from the South-East—is being presented as an attempt to stabilise the party amidst a climate of uncertainty.
Yet, it also highlights the enduring struggle to reconcile regional interests with national ambitions—a challenge that has dogged the PDP for years.
In many respects, the current debacle is a microcosm of a broader, more systemic issue: the difficulty of transforming a legacy party into a unified force capable of mounting a credible challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress.
Implications for Nigeria’s Democratic Future
The ramifications of these internal disputes extend far beyond party lines. With the security situation deteriorating in regions such as Borno, Plateau, Katsina, and Edo States, the stakes for a stable and cohesive opposition have never been higher.
The PDP’s recent proposals for a National Executive Committee meeting on May 27, 2025, and an early national convention in Kano later that year, signal an urgent need to recalibrate priorities. Critics warn that any further internal disarray could jeopardise not only the PDP’s electoral prospects but also the broader democratic fabric of Nigeria.
In his address to journalists through his media aide, Paul Ibe, Atiku sought to reframe the narrative. He insisted that the coalition is a “pan-Nigerian movement” designed to redeem the nation from what he termed “marauders.”
Yet, his call for a broader consultation—with an insistence that key stakeholders, including state governors and ordinary Nigerians, align with his vision—may inadvertently underscore the very divisiveness that has long hampered the PDP.
A Look Back at Atiku’s Legacy
Historically, Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions have been a double-edged sword for the PDP. While his political acumen and experience have garnered him significant support, his relentless pursuit of power has often led to internal strife.
Since 2015, the party’s progress has been repeatedly stifled by factions loyal to his personal brand, resulting in a cycle of internal disputes and electoral setbacks.
Critics argue that his influence has, at times, diverted attention from critical policy reforms and governance strategies that could have steered the PDP towards a more resilient future.
As the 2027 election looms on the horizon, the question remains: will Atiku’s coalition strategy ultimately serve as a catalyst for unity and change, or will it further entrench the divisions that have long beset the PDP
With high stakes and a fractured opposition, Nigeria’s political future hangs in the balance, and the coming months are likely to reveal whether Atiku’s vision can overcome the historic challenges that have repeatedly impeded the party’s progress.
In a political arena where alliances are as fluid as the nation’s security challenges, one thing is certain: the battle for Nigeria’s soul is far from over.
The clash between Atiku’s ambitions and the established order of the PDP underscores a fundamental dilemma facing Nigeria—a nation at the crossroads of tradition and transformation, where the quest for genuine leadership remains both the promise and the peril of its democratic journey.