A coalition of opposition groups has urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, to close ranks or risk giving President Bola Tinubu an easy path to re-election in 2027.

The advice was issued in Abuja by a coalition of civil society organizations, including the Save Democracy Mega Alliance (SDMA) and the Civil Societies Alliance, following a strategic meeting.

Speaking after the gathering, South-South Coordinator of SDMA, Tony Akeni, who signed the communique, said participants agreed that only a united opposition front could make a meaningful impact in the 2027 presidential race.

“If opposition stakeholders and the electorate take the right decisions, Nigeria can be rescued through the ballot in 2027,” Akeni stated. “But if leaders of the progressive opposition miss the chance through wrong decisions, the consequences will be severe for the country.”

He noted that Nigeria currently has two strong opposition figures, Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, both of whom are seen as capable of leading the country back to a path of progress.

“Unfortunately, after months of study and intelligence gathering, findings show that neither Atiku nor Obi can win the 2027 presidency if they insist on contesting separately under rival political platforms,” he warned.

Akeni further alleged that the current administration was already putting structures in place to prevent either opposition leader from emerging victorious, stressing that such measures would only succeed if Atiku and Obi enter the race divided.