Talks within Nigeria’s evolving opposition coalition may be leaning toward former Transportation Minister Rotimi Amaechi as a possible consensus presidential candidate for 2027.
According to The Guardian, the coalition—spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi—is facing internal tensions, particularly over Obi’s insistence on running again with his 2023 running mate, Yusuf Datti Baba-Ahmed.
Amaechi, who turned 60 on May 27, signaled renewed political ambition during a birthday lecture themed “Weaponising Hunger.” At the event, he disclosed he had told President Bola Tinubu he would not support his 2023 bid, citing concerns over national unity. “The past two years have justified my decision,” Amaechi reportedly said.
A source within the coalition’s steering committee told The Guardian that Amaechi is being considered a unifying figure with cross-party appeal. The source also revealed that former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai is part of the ongoing consultations, suggesting broader interest in an alternative to both Atiku and Obi.
“There’s growing sentiment for a third option,” the source said. “With Amaechi’s strong national profile and backing from some in Buhari’s APC camp, he’s being seen as viable.”
In an effort to avoid the pitfalls of existing parties like SDP and ADC, coalition leaders are discussing the formation of a new political party—tentatively named the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Dr. Umar Ardo, co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats, confirmed these discussions, emphasizing that a new platform would help avoid internal sabotage.
“We don’t want to inherit compromised structures,” Ardo said, denying that the new party is tailored to favor Atiku.
Meanwhile, political analyst Dr. Katch Ononuju insisted that Peter Obi’s right to contest must be respected if the coalition is to stay intact.
As 2027 approaches, all eyes are on whether the opposition will unite—or split—with Atiku, Obi, and possibly Amaechi charting separate paths.
