WATCH THE VIDEO HERE Sources reveal that the duo have been working behind the scenes to rally support from influential political stakeholders across the country. They are among a broader group of political leaders, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, engaging in intense consultations to form a formidable opposition platform. Although the ex-minister has maintained a low profile in the mobilization efforts, the South-East-born politician is believed to be playing a pivotal role in facilitating the movement. He previously served as a chairman of the Board of Trustees (BoT) of a major government agency and was also a member of the House of Representatives. Reports indicate that he aligns with former Kaduna State governor, Nasir El-Rufai, who recently defected from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) due to internal disagreements within the ruling party. El-Rufai, a former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), has vowed to bring more prominent politicians into the SDP as part of a broader strategy to unify the opposition against the APC in upcoming elections. Another key figure involved in the coalition’s behind-the-scenes efforts is a former SGF from the Buhari administration. “All of them are in the same boat; it’s just that Mallam Nasir El-Rufai is the one talking. He is by no means the coordinator,” a close associate of one of the coalition leaders disclosed to Nigerian Tribune. Additional notable figures said to be actively involved include a former Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Rauf Aregbesola, a former Secretary to the State Government (SSG), a former Minister of State for Education, and a former Minister of Transportation. Atiku Abubakar is also reportedly working extensively to solidify the alliance. “The nearest to a coordinator of all they have is the former Minister for Education. He is an absolutely brilliant young man, who was a minister and a member of the National Assembly,” the source added. Despite the SDP’s prominence in the discussions, sources suggest that the coalition may be considering a broader political platform for the 2027 elections, with strategic deliberations still ongoing.
There are strong indications that a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and an ex-minister are key figures in a growing coalition aiming to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general election.