As political realignments continue ahead of the 2027 presidential election, reports suggest that five governors from the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are working behind the scenes to support a potential Nasir El-Rufai/Peter Obi ticket.
According to sources, this coalition includes former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, with a shared objective of weakening the PDP’s electoral strength to prevent a repeat of the 2023 election split, which ultimately favored the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
El-Rufai and Atiku’s Secret Meetings
Multiple reports indicate that El-Rufai and Atiku have held a series of meetings in recent weeks, strategizing on how to disrupt the PDP’s influence and consolidate opposition votes under one platform.
Their alliance was further emphasized during a joint condolence visit to the family of the late elder statesman, Edwin Clark, raising further speculation about their political collaboration.
A source privy to these discussions revealed:
“Atiku and El-Rufai have been working closely with five PDP governors to realign forces ahead of 2027. Their goal is to prevent PDP from becoming a strong contender, thereby consolidating opposition votes under one platform.”
The strategy is reportedly aimed at ensuring PDP does not serve as a viable option in the next election, forcing voters to rally behind a strong opposition alternative to President Bola Tinubu’s APC-led government.
Governors Spearheading the PDP Split
Leading this alleged move to fragment the PDP is Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, who has been at odds with his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) in Tinubu’s government.
An insider disclosed that Fubara needed little persuasion to align with the emerging coalition, as his future in the PDP remains uncertain due to Wike’s stronghold on the party.
Also reportedly on board is Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri, along with three other unnamed PDP governors—one from the North-East and two from the South—who have pledged their support in exchange for key ministerial appointments if the El-Rufai/Obi ticket succeeds.
A Game-Changing Political Realignment?
El-Rufai, the former Kaduna State Governor, has recently called for a broad political alliance, signaling that he may not be running under the APC or PDP.
Observers believe this realignment could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape, as the Labour Party (LP), PDP dissidents, and other opposition forces attempt to forge a formidable front against the APC.
However, with the PDP already grappling with internal conflicts, the party’s survival may be at risk if these reports hold true.
As 2027 approaches, political maneuvering is set to intensify, with power blocs shifting in unexpected ways. Whether this emerging coalition will hold or collapse under political interests remains to be seen.