By Agboola Aluko Olokun | GLiDE NEWS
A s momentum builds toward the 2027 general elections, an emerging coalition of political forces is reportedly considering a bold strategy—fielding a southern presidential candidate committed to serving only a single term in office. The proposal, which has stirred intense debate within opposition circles, is aimed at presenting a unified front capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Sources privy to the ongoing negotiations, who spoke under condition of anonymity, revealed that northern stakeholders within the coalition are strongly encouraging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step aside in favor of a southern candidate. The belief, they say, is that a credible, single-term southern candidate could galvanize national support and effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The coalition, made public on March 20, brings together key political figures such as Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, all of whom are determined to oust the APC administration in 2027.
Since El-Rufai’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party, discussions among opposition leaders have gained fresh urgency. However, lingering concerns—especially around zoning and individual ambitions—have slowed consensus.
“There’s a growing understanding that fielding a credible southern candidate could tilt the scales,” said a coalition insider. “That’s why many stakeholders are asking Atiku to withdraw and support a one-term agreement for a southern flagbearer.”
The proposal reportedly requires any southern aspirant selected by the coalition to commit publicly to a single-term presidency, a strategy aimed at fostering trust and rotational balance between Nigeria’s geopolitical zones.
Peter Ahmeh, the National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), confirmed that the single-term proposal is among the options currently being reviewed. According to him, the unity and strength of the opposition movement today surpass what existed during the 2014 efforts to remove former President Goodluck Jonathan.
“There are several permutations, but the idea of a single-term southern presidency is very much on the table,” Ahmeh said. “More Nigerians now recognize the failures of the current administration, and the demand for change is deafening.”
He urged coalition leaders to stay the course and prioritize national interest over personal ambition. “We have a historic opportunity to rescue Nigeria from a failing system, and that requires unity of purpose,” he said.
While some see merit in the single-term strategy, not all opposition leaders are on board. Timothy Osadolor, National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party, expressed reservations, cautioning against prematurely zoning the ticket to the South.
“We shouldn’t limit ourselves. Let capable Nigerians, regardless of region, express their ambitions,” Osadolor argued. “If consensus eventually favors a southern candidate, that’s fine. But we must avoid preemptive zoning that alienates other strong contenders.”
Meanwhile, the APC has dismissed the opposition’s efforts as desperate and inconsequential. Party spokesperson Bala Ibrahim downplayed the significance of the coalition talks, insisting that President Tinubu’s administration continues to enjoy growing support across the country.
“All those in the coalition have faced the APC at the ballot before—and lost,” Ibrahim said. “Our achievements will speak for us. Nigerians will see the dividends of democracy under President Tinubu and will reward the APC again in 2027.”
Despite the ruling party’s confidence, political observers believe the opposition’s strategy, if carefully managed, could alter Nigeria’s electoral landscape. Much, however, hinges on whether opposition leaders can set aside ego and ambition for a unified cause.
As discussions continue behind closed doors, Nigerians wait to see if a historic coalition—anchored on trust, power rotation, and national healing—can truly take shape.
© Agboola Aluko Olokun for GLiDE NEWS
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