LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s leading opposition figures have formed a new coalition.
They aim to unseat the ruling party in the 2027 presidential elections.
This alliance challenges President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress.
Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi, both runners-up in the last election, spearhead the group.
They are joined by influential former federal lawmakers and governors.
The coalition seeks to prevent Nigeria from becoming a one-party state.
David Mark, interim chairman, stressed the alliance’s crucial mission.
He noted concerns about democratic space shrinking.
Critics accuse President Tinubu of using state mechanisms for defections.
This allegedly strengthens his party’s hold on power.
Despite Tinubu’s denials, some allies appear to support such moves.
The political landscape is heating up two years before the polls.
Several high-profile defections have occurred recently.
Opposition forces are now uniting to challenge Tinubu’s potential second term.
This new coalition mirrors the 2015 alliance that ended a 16-year rule.
That historic collaboration successfully ousted the then-ruling party.
Many perceive the current administration as failing on key promises.
Security and economic sectors remain deeply troubled.
Tinubu’s government has grappled with unpopular economic reforms.
Subsidy removals and currency flotation sparked an inflation crisis.
The nation also contends with resurgent attacks by armed groups.
Experts believe only a united opposition can succeed.