As opposition forces intensify efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general elections, northern stakeholders within the coalition are pushing for any southern presidential aspirant to commit to serving only one term if elected.
A source involved in the ongoing negotiations revealed that northern leaders are also urging former Vice President Atiku Abubakar to step down in favour of a southern candidate, with the belief that a united opposition front led by a credible southerner stands a better chance of defeating Tinubu.
Talks of a strong opposition coalition gained momentum on March 20 when Atiku, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai declared their commitment to working together to oust the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The alliance followed El-Rufai’s recent defection to the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The single-term proposal is reportedly being considered to address regional power rotation concerns and secure broader support from northern leaders, some of whom insist on such a condition before backing any southern candidate.
Confirming the development, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Peter Ahmeh, stated that the single-term deal is part of several options under review. He described the opposition movement as larger and more determined than the one that unseated former President Goodluck Jonathan in 2015.
“It is very obvious that more Nigerians have realised that this government is doing us more harm than good. There are more opposition forces against this government than there were against former President Jonathan in 2014,” he said.
While discussions are ongoing, Atiku’s media aide, Paul Ibe, cautioned against premature conclusions, stressing that any agreement reached will be binding for all stakeholders. He reiterated Atiku’s commitment to the unity of the opposition, placing coalition success above personal ambition.
Meanwhile, SDP National Chairman Shehu Gabam said nationwide consultations are ongoing, but declined to reveal specific details.
However, PDP National Youth Leader Timothy Osadolor opposed the idea of narrowing the presidential ticket to the South, warning that it could alienate capable contenders and weaken the coalition’s democratic image.
On the other side, the APC dismissed the coalition’s efforts. Party spokesman Bala Ibrahim argued that the ruling party’s popularity is growing, with increasing membership and expanding leadership influence.
“The APC, from the period it beat them to defeat, has not lost its membership but has been increasing it… the achievements of the ruling APC under President Tinubu will shame all opposition forces and their plans,” he stated.
As political consultations continue, the opposition faces the challenge of balancing regional interests, individual ambitions, and a shared desire to unseat the incumbent in the next general election.
