Leader of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Professor Pat Utomi, has revealed that a strong political coalition is in the works to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Utomi stated that several discontented members of both the APC and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), along with five other political parties, are aligning with the coalition to “save Nigeria from the brink.”
Mass Exodus from APC, PDP to Join the Coalition
Speaking with The PUNCH, Utomi emphasized that influential figures within Nigeria’s major political parties were already reaching out to join the movement.
“This is serious business. Nigeria is on the brink at a time of a changing global order,” he said.
“The approach we now take is to focus on core influence groups within parties. In this regard, there are good people who subscribe to our values and development strategy in APC and PDP who have significant following and believe there is a better way and have reached out to us.”
He confirmed that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) is undergoing internal restructuring, alongside five other parties, to solidify their positions within the coalition.
Atiku, Peter Obi, and Other Opposition Leaders in Talks
Utomi’s remarks follow former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s recent announcement of a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
Among key figures involved in the discussions are:
- Peter Obi (represented by Dr. Yunusa Tanko)
- Babachir David Lawal (former SGF)
- Nasir El-Rufai (former Kaduna State Governor)
- Segun Sowunmi (former Ogun gubernatorial hopeful)
- Dr. Salihu Lukman (former PGF Director-General)
- Alhaji Adamu Maina Waziri
- Chief Peter Ameh
- Soni Monidafe
Coalition Plans for a National Unity Government
The coalition’s goal is to introduce a government of national unity, ensuring transparency, collective decision-making, and a people-focused approach.
“It needs a national unity government focused on a developmental state bringing progress to every nook and cranny of Nigeria, not egotists and narcissists looking for state capture to burnish bloated personal accounts around the world while their country slides into the economic abyss,” Utomi said.
He stressed that decisions would be made collectively, moving away from previous “Baba sope” leadership styles.
Key Takeaways from the Opposition Coalition Strategy
- Mass defection expected from APC and PDP
- Focus on collective leadership and transparency
- Plans to accelerate constitutional reforms
- Opposition aligning with Northern and Southern stakeholders
Utomi noted that the coalition is set to unveil its full structure by June 2025, with discussions ongoing between political leaders, civil society groups, and defectors from the ruling party.
