NewStats: 3,259,245 , 8,169,587 topics. Date: Saturday, 24 May 2025 at 01:19 PM 6h4m4c

As coalition talks to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections gain traction, northern stakeholders are pushing for southern aspirants to commit to a single-term agreement.

A source involved in the coalition negotiations, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak on the issue, told The PUNCH that northern stakeholders are urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar not to run.

The source added that most stakeholders believe that if all coalition leaders unite behind a southern candidate, President Tinubu can be defeated.

On March 20, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, announced the formation of a coalition aimed at removing President Tinubu in 2027

The debate about whether opposition parties should unite to challenge President Tinubu’s istration has been intensifying, with various political figures sharing different opinions.

Former Vice President Atiku has been a strong advocate for opposition unity, emphasising the importance of collaboration.

On March 8, he revealed his efforts to unite opposition groups and form a coalition to oust the APC.

Following El-Rufai’s switch from the APC to the Social Democratic Party on March 10, discussions among opposition leaders gained significant momentum.

Atiku and other opposition figures declared that the March 20 meeting marked the official launch of the coalition.

It was previously reported by Sunday PUNCH on March 23 that the negotiations among political leaders are being delayed due to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s ambitions and the zoning dispute.

The source mentioned that the stakeholders have multiple options to resolve all the concerns.

He stated, “There are numerous concerns among all stakeholders involved in the coalition negotiations, with the North-South issue being the primary concern.

“Most of us understand that if we field a competent and credible southern candidate, defeating President Tinubu would be much easier. Therefore, many stakeholders, especially those from the North, are urging Atiku to step down and allow the coalition to a southern candidate who will serve a single term if elected.

“In fact, some of these stakeholders are insisting that any southern aspirant the coalition will must agree to a single-term commitment.

These issues are emerging, but we are committed to addressing them as they arise and accommodating the many Nigerians who are fed up with the APC’s malistration. Our goal is to ensure a fair process that represents the interests of the people and strengthens the unity of the coalition.”

When reached for comment, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, confirmed that the proposal for southern aspirants to sign a single-term agreement, along with other options, is under consideration by the stakeholders.

In an interview with our correspondent, Ahmeh stated that the opposition forces against President Tinubu are greater than those faced by former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2014.

He stated, “The g of a single-term agreement by a southerner is part of what is on the table, but this has not been concluded yet. It has not reached a conclusion.

“Peter Obi and some other southern aspirants are involved. I believe that the decision will be reached in the next few weeks.

“There are many options on the table. People are bringing different permutations, but the fact still remains that you can’t put the cart before the horse. As soon as the agreement is reached, we will communicate it to the public.

“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. So, quite a lot of Nigerians are ing the coalition. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014.

“So, I urge all coalition stakeholders and other opposition leaders to sustain this commitment so that we can come together to rescue this country from the failed APC.”

When reached for comment, former Vice President Atiku cautioned against speculation that could undermine the coalition negotiations.

In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Atiku, through his media aide, Paul Ibe, emphasised that any agreement made will be binding for all parties involved.

He stated, “The agreement must be between the stakeholders, and we cannot speculate about it because discussions are still ongoing. We don’t need to reach conclusions while discussions are still ongoing. Once an agreement is reached, it will be binding, but until then, we must refrain from drawing conclusions about the ongoing process.

“Yes, His Excellency, Atiku Abubakar is committed. What’s important for him is not to put the cart before the horse. His Excellency, like other leaders, believes that the only way to remove those who don’t mean well for our people and our country is by having a strong, united coalition.

“That coalition must be robust and strong enough to push forward. That is what they are working towards, and it is the most important goal, above all else.”

The National Chairman of the SDP, Shehu Gabam, corroborated that nationwide consultation is ongoing.

He stated, “I am not in a position to say anything now. I can’t tell you what we intend to do and how far we have gone, consultation is ongoing.

“We are doing more consultations. When we get to the bridge, we’ll cross it. But our consultations are ongoing nationwide. I am not going to disclose who is involved in the consultation and other details.”

However, the PDP National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, criticised the push for a southerner to sign a single-term agreement, calling it premature.

In an interview with The PUNCH, Osadolor urged coalition stakeholders to keep the opportunity open for capable Nigerians.

He stated, “For me, I think it is premature to narrow this contest to the South. If we say a southerner must run, who are the southerners capable of running and dismantling this monstrosity called the APC government? There are just three people: former President Goodluck Jonathan, Obi, and I don’t think there is anyone as formidable as the Oyo State governor.

“I am not going to speak for all the other southerners who want to run, with all due respect to them. But I think we should allow Nigerians, irrespective of where they come from, to pursue their ambitions. That is the best way we can defeat the APC.

“And if among those who come forward, we unanimously agree to one, regardless of the geopolitical region they hail from, it will be a collective democratic decision and no one will accuse the coalition of denying them their rights.”

Reacting to the scheming by the opposition, the APC Publicity Director, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed the coalition efforts, stating that the ruling party’s popularity among Nigerians is growing.

According to Ibrahim, the APC remains unfazed, and the party’s accomplishments will ultimately vindicate President Tinubu.

He stated, “Again, the ruling party, the APC is not bothered, because all the people involved (in the coalition) are people who have gone to the polls against the APC and lost.

“The APC, from the period it beat them to defeat, has not lost its hip but has been increasing its hip, and its tentacles of leadership are increasingly growing.

“The people will continue to realise the good dividends of democracy from the APC government, such that they will not regret voting for the party, nor will they think of giving up.

“So, the achievements of the ruling APC under President Tinubu will shame all opposition forces and their plans.”

https://punchng.com/2027-coalition-pushes-for-single-term-candidate/

Nice one,
I have said it and will say it again, Anything to do to take these crop of people and their jobbers and foot soldiers out of leadership is urgently welcomed.
They are just there playing politics and not governance.
All they care is 2027 and nothing. They are ready to spend and buy anything against them just to stay till 2027. That's not good for Nigeria. They have scattered the economy hoping and propagating that it will bounce back which is a total waste of statements. The economy can never bounce back again, Never, it's not possible economically and Numerically. Imagine Petrol price back to #200 or Toyota Venza back To 7.5m or Naira back to #650 naira per Dollar?

All the Coalition needs is to present someone from the South who will go there and lay a better and viable foundation for the person that would take over after 4 years

Very good, Emilokonvict doesn't need an additional term to finally wreck the entire country.

They better present someone who has a clear vision of how he wants to pull Nigeria out of these rubbles.

We need a whole new fresh blood who will be willing to go against all odds and set this country on the right path as well as bring smiles to the faces of the masses

Unfortunately I am just having an unrealistic Dream

E no go work ooooooo.....

Power sweet

The worst set of men to come across in this world are;

NIGERIAN MEN

David160:


https://punchng.com/2027-coalition-pushes-for-single-term-candidate/

The question is “do they need to urge Atiku” to step down He should step down without been urged! That’s the right thing to do nau…

so they are not even after someone that will change the direction of where this agbero chairman and his former backward brother dumped this country into.na tenure be their headache.

Anyway to kick the mannequin out

I told you before, tinubu will use 10 years.

At times I do think Nigeria was created as a kind of Disney Channel for the angels in heaven

The only one is Peter Obi and I doubt if a term will be enough

Desperation written in black and white!

Then what's the point Abeg let's allow tinibu finish his term..... All these single term is nonsense..... And it will give the north some form of birthright to ousts any future southern candidate

Politicking over good governance.

fergie001:
E no go work ooooooo.....

Power sweet

The thing is that, the sourthner will find it difficult winning 2031👌💯

A single term for a southerner who they presume would gather more votes from the south and majority from the north just cus they want to defeat Tinubu and APC......But if it were to be a northerner, they would want it to be a double term......I wonder why these guys see the south as inferiors......Well if that be the case, then Tinubu should continue!!

Tradepunter2:
Then what's the point Abeg let's allow tinibu finish his term..... All these single term is nonsense..... And it will give the north some form of birthright to ousts any future southern candidate

but it was still the same tinubu connived with them to ousts Jonathan.what is tinubu doing up there for you to suggest his allowed to finish his term.the guy is professor failure

Jagaban till #2031

4+4

No matter who is president all is know is that there will always be breasts for me to suck

Anything to oust this current istration is welcome.

David160:


https://punchng.com/2027-coalition-pushes-for-single-term-candidate/

I am available.

Anything to wrestle power from this Mandate Thief is a welcomed development.

Selfish interest from the Northerners has jeopardize this country alot. All they think about is Power! Power!! Power! Yet they are the worst affected region.

This country has problem with rotation of power and trust issues.
The only person these Northerns have a lil' bit of trust is Goodluck Jonathan. This is the only man they can trust, cos he has another 4yrs in his bag. Not even Peter Obi of LP.
In 2023 They promised to buy him Presidential candidate form for free if he will run against Tinubu but GEJ backed down.
This time again, they are coming back to lure him on the platform again irrespective of any party he wish to run.
GEJ is the only man I THINK can give Tinubu a run for his money. He has the track record and people are ready for him.

K

The only way they stand a chance against Tinubu, is to field a northern candidate. The northerners would rather tolerate Tinubu for a second and final term, than risk a non-constitutionally binding agreement with a new candidate, who may betray them.

Anyways, if they can't agree on an Atiku/Obi ticket, they all can go ahead and start preparing for post election legal battle.

Let's consider the fixed and variables:

Tinubu will run in 2027.....Fixed
Atiku will run in 2027.......Fixed
Obi will run in 2027.........Fixed

Konkwaso may run too......Variable
El-rufai may run too........Variable
Other spoilers and some deliberately sponsored by Tinubu to ensure a sparsely distributed voting.

The strength of rigging will be determined by the numbers of viable candidates running for the election.

You will need a formidable northern candidate (Atiku) and another southeastern candidate (Obi) to checkmate rigging in 2027.

If the coalition cannot achieve this, they should go and wait for 2031......period

And that's what it will be...




PO for president. He only needs two years to restore this country to factory setting.

From fry pan to fire.

Lmao

these are the issues, they want a southern candidate but with the condition of a single term and when that one get there and he no gree nko, another coalition will be formed to outs that one too. North dey craze walahi, they sha want to return to power by force. no matter who they are fielding in, the southern person will never agree to one term and that's where the issue will start from. the coalition is dead on arrival. I will continue to say, nah only God fit comot Tinubu for 2027 tru death. the most strategic politician i have ever seen is that man, you think the appoint are just mare appointment, they are shock absorbers for 2027 election and he will paly it well. why do you think he is delaying new INEC chairman appointment, because he knows what he's doing.

specialmati:
but it was still the same tinubu connived with them to ousts Jonathan.what is tinubu doing up there for you to suggest his allowed to finish his term.the guy is professor failure

Yes definitely.... I saw him as an opportunist that enabled the north to oust Jonathan.... Cuz don't forget it was the North that started the crying first..... But why didn't the same occur during buhari tenure Now it's a southern tenure and same is repeating

7demons:
Anything to wrestle this Mandate Bandits from power is a welcomed development.

Na this stupid anything got us to where we are.

What a very stupid thinking!

Trust El rufai at your own peril

This guy may be tilumbu mole who would sabotage the opposition chances. What happened between him and tilumbu is not serious enough for them to fallout. After it is not tilumbu that said he was not eligible. He was not given security clearance, so therefore he was flagged and not given any ministerial role.

The opposition is in disarray. Wike is the weapon fashioned against PDP, LP and NNPP get internal wahala. The next thing is that strong politicians would naturally want to jump ship and form a coalition, since LP and PDP is down, El rufai jumped to SDP with the illusion that he is fighting with tilumbu to fool the opposition to show him their inner workings which he would leak to APC.

Once again El rufai is not to be trusted

This is HUGE, if they can reach a compromise on a Southern candidate who’s willing to run Faust for a four year tenure then it’s all over for APSHIT 😂😂😂😂😂