• Arewa group backs PDP govs, slams Atiku, El-Rufai as ‘political opportunists’
• Ajisafe re-elected unopposed as S’West Zonal Chairman
The internal crisis rocking the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) deepened yesterday as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar pushed forward with his coalition agenda, defying resistance from PDP governors—who now face allegations of backing President Tinubu’s 2027 re-election bid.
Former National Vice Chairman (North West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Salihu Lukman, who spoke on behalf of a coalition of opposition politicians, said the refusal of PDP governors to support the coalition signals complicity in what he described as the ruling party’s broader re-election strategy.
According to Lukman, no Nigerian committed to genuine democratic change and good governance should take the PDP Governors’ Forum seriously, given their reluctance to embrace a united front against the APC.
He alleged in a statement yesterday that the ruling party had compromised the PDP, with some of its key figures serving either as appointees or covert supporters of Tinubu’s administration. He cited the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, as an example, claiming Wike’s real role is to cripple the PDP’s presidential ambition in 2027 .
“The governors know the virus that afflicts the PDP has no cure. They are merely grandstanding,” Lukman said. “The new plan is to revive the PDP just enough to divide the opposition vote and pave the way for Tinubu’s victory.”
He revealed that the coalition is finalising negotiations ahead of unveiling its structure and programme of action to “rescue Nigerian democracy”.
Despite the PDP’s cold stance, Lukman said the coalition remains open to collaboration and urged political actors across the board to set aside ego and ambition for the country’s collective interest.
“We extend our hand of fellowship to all democrats who recognise the urgent need to rebuild our democracy,” he said.
MEANWHILE, Atiku Abubakar is forging ahead with plans to build a broad-based political coalition aimed at defeating President Bola Tinubu.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account yesterday, Atiku said he had met with two separate delegations—one from the PDP in Nasarawa State and another made up of national opinion leaders—to provide updates on what he described as a “pan-Nigerian coalition” focused on reclaiming the country.
“Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions,” he wrote .
According to Atiku, the coalition is designed to reflect national unity and political inclusivity, bringing together Nigerians from all backgrounds. “The coalition train has left the station and will have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades,” he added.
The former vice president described the movement as one powered by citizens “desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies.”
HOWEVER, the Arewa Joint Action Movement (AJAM) declared its support for the position of the PDP Governors’ Forum, led by Bauchi State Governor, Bala Mohammed, in distancing the party from what it described as “opportunistic office seekers” including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
In a statement issued by its Coordinator, Barnabas Musa, AJAM described the governors’ move as a “bold and commendable step” towards safeguarding political integrity ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group warned that Nigeria’s political space must not be dictated by the ambitions of “transient political actors” with no genuine commitment to national development.
Musa accused some figures within the opposition alliance of prioritising personal gain over the welfare of Nigerians, saying they “feed off the goodwill of the populace while offering little more than empty promises and deceptive rhetoric.”
He said: “The political landscape should be navigated with integrity and purpose. Unfortunately, these individuals have proven to be little more than job seekers chasing power at all costs.”
He warned against what he described as attempts to manipulate public hopes ahead of 2027 and urged Nigerians to reject “the politics of deception and self-interest.”
Commending Governor Mohammed and his colleagues, Musa urged the PDP governors to stay focused on policies that prioritise the wellbeing of Nigerians, while pledging AJAM’s readiness to support any movement that promotes unity, progress and democratic values.
This came as Alhaji Kamorudeen Ajisafe was returned unopposed as the South West Zonal Chairman of the PDP during a peaceful congress held yesterday in Ibadan, Oyo State.
Ajisafe, who previously held the position, secured 661 votes in a process party leaders described as consensus-driven and reflective of internal cohesion. Delegates from all six South West states—Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ondo and Ekiti—participated in the well-attended and orderly exercise.
Other zonal officers elected, many by consensus, include Obagunwa Muyiwa (Zonal Secretary), Alhaja Bose Adedibu (Women Leader), Bamidele Seyi Abiola (Youth Leader), Chief Sanya Atofarati (Publicity Secretary), Amuwa Benson (Organising Secretary), Adeyela Adeleke Yahaya (Financial Secretary), Adeyemo Adetunji (Treasurer), and Ojetunde Azeez (Zonal Ex-Officio, Oyo).
The event was witnessed by key party stakeholders, including Governors Seyi Makinde of Oyo and Ademola Adeleke of Osun, who commended the maturity and unity displayed throughout the congress.
Adeleke said: “I am so happy today for the South-West. We give glory to God Almighty. We want to send a signal to other zones to learn from us. The last four years were not like this, but today we are getting it right again.”
Former PDP Board of Trustees Chairman, Chief Bode George, and Congress Chairman, Emmanuel Udom, a former Governor of Akwa Ibom State, also hailed the congress as a model of peaceful party leadership transition.
In his acceptance speech, Ajisafe thanked delegates for their confidence and pledged to continue promoting inclusiveness and grassroots engagement.
Observers from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) described the process as transparent and commendable.
