The camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, have dismissed criticisms from Bode George and Ibrahim Shekarau over the recently announced opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

George, a former Deputy National Chairman of the PDP, and Shekarau, a former Kano State Governor, had questioned the coalition’s purpose, describing it as driven by personal ambition rather than a structured political movement to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

They also raised concerns over what they termed a “scramble for presidential and vice-presidential positions”, instead of a clear strategy for governance.

The remarks from George and Shekarau come just days after Atiku, Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other political figures formally unveiled the opposition coalition at a press conference in Abuja.

The coalition, which had been widely speculated for weeks, gained further traction following El-Rufai’s defection from the APC to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) on March 10.

Prominent figures at the launch included former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal; Peter Obi’s media aide and Obidient Movement Coordinator, Yunusa Tanko; National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), Peter Ahmeh; and Segun Showunmi, convener of The Alternative.

Notably absent but reportedly supportive were former APC leaders such as Rotimi Amaechi (ex-Rivers State Governor), Kayode Fayemi (ex-Ekiti State Governor), and former APC National Chairman Abdullahi Adamu, who sent apologies.

Responding to the backlash, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, dismissed the criticisms, insisting that the coalition was unstoppable.

“The coalition train has left the station. It will make stops, and people can choose to get on board.

If Bode George and Shekarau want to join, they’re welcome. Otherwise, they should stay quiet.

Bode George knows nothing about this coalition, so he has no basis to speak on it,” Ibe stated.

For Peter Obi’s camp, Yunusa Tanko reaffirmed the coalition’s nation-building objectives and dismissed the opposing views.

“We’ve made our position clear—we’re focused on nation-building.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but we’re committed to this process.

When the time comes to announce a mega party, the public will be duly informed,” Tanko said.

He also revealed that ongoing discussions among key political figures would soon yield further announcements regarding a formal party platform for the alliance.

Meanwhile, former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, defended the coalition, warning that Nigeria risks becoming a one-party state due to internal crises within the opposition.

 

“Bode George may be optimistic about rebuilding the PDP, while Shekarau’s comments seem dismissive.

 

But the reality is that all parties are in crisis, and if care is not taken, APC could be the only viable option by 2027.

 

What we’re seeing now is a commitment to forming a united political front,” Lukman said.

 

He emphasized that discussions were ongoing to finalize the platform that would challenge the APC in the next election.