JUST IN: We Are Creating a New Path – Atiku Ignores PDP Governors, Insists on Coalition

Despite clear disapproval from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Governors’ Forum, former Vice President and the party’s 2023 presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar has reaffirmed his commitment to forming a broad-based political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Atiku, who recently hosted delegations from two political groups, declared that the movement to build a pan-Nigerian alliance is well underway and gaining momentum.

“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,” Atiku said in a social media update on Tuesday.

“I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country. Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades,” he added.

Atiku noted that his meetings were with a delegation from the PDP in Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, and a group of national opinion leaders, led by Hon. Yusuf Sheriff Banki.

The move comes amid resistance from PDP governors, who have publicly distanced themselves from the coalition effort involving Atiku, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi.

In a recent appearance on Channels Television, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, speaking on behalf of the PDP Governors’ Forum, criticized the initiative, saying it lacked the party’s approval.

“We didn’t just wake up and say me as xyz in the party just draw the party into any arrangements when the party organs do not have clue on what you are doing,” Makinde said. “They have no clue of what is in this coalition. They also have no clue whether this is personal or whether you are doing this in best interest of the party and the people of Nigeria. Those are critical.”

He emphasized that the PDP governors would not support any merger or alliance that bypasses the party’s formal structures, highlighting that such efforts risk undermining internal cohesion.