Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Babachir Lawal, has confirmed that the emerging opposition coalition aiming to challenge the ruling party in the 2027 general elections will not be forming a new party, but rather joining an existing political platform.

 

In a statement reported ahead of the crucial election season, Lawal disclosed that after extensive deliberations, the coalition determined that time constraints and the need for strategic cohesion made it impractical to pursue the registration of a new party.

 

“We’ve concluded that we are joining an existing party,” Lawal revealed. “Critical members have already resigned to make room for new leadership.”

 

He noted that while several options were considered, legal and structural challenges within most political parties limited the choices available. The coalition ultimately identified a party with minimal legal complications and a receptive leadership structure, which agreed to accommodate new entrants.

According to Lawal, the coalition is in the final stages of appointing new executives, including positions such as chairman, secretary, organising secretary, and treasurer, as part of the internal reorganisation of the host party.

 

The move signals a unified front by prominent opposition voices including former APC members, ex-ministers, and political heavyweights operating outside of official party affiliations.

Lawal further clarified that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi are part of the discussions, not as representatives of their respective parties, but in individual capacities as part of the broader movement seeking a credible alternative for 2027.

 

“This is not about PDP, Labour or APC. It’s about rescuing Nigeria,” he said.

In a direct rebuke to a rival initiative, Lawal dismissed efforts by Dr. Usman Ardo, who is reportedly pushing to register a new party known as the All Democratic Alliance (ADA). Lawal accused Ardo’s camp of misleading the public by falsely associating their platform with figures like Atiku, Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Nasir El-Rufai, without their consent.

 

He insisted that the timeline to 2027 renders the ADA project “unrealistic and politically naive”, citing the long process required to register, stabilise, and build national structures for a new party.

Lawal confirmed that the legal process of integrating the coalition into the selected party is nearly complete. The host party is already convening National Executive and Working Committee meetings to adopt new resolutions and facilitate the power shift.

 

“We are serious. Nigerians deserve a strong, inclusive and credible opposition ahead of 2027,” Lawal emphasized.

 

With Nigeria’s political landscape shifting rapidly, the coalition’s decision to consolidate under an existing platform rather than begin afresh could offer it a head start in mobilising support and resources for what is expected to be a fiercely contested election.