Coalition train has left the station, Atiku tells PDP delegation

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar reaffirmed his commitment to building a coalition of opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 election. 

Atiku spoke on Tuesday at a meeting with a delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nasarawa state, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, and members of National Opinion Leaders, headed by Yusuf Sheriff Banki.

“Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions,” Atiku wrote on X.

“I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country.

“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades. First was the meeting with a delegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, and a delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Yusuf Sheriff Banki.”

Atiku also warned them against being distracted by minor financial offers that could jeopardise their future.

He said leaders from various parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and others, have been meeting to forge a new path towards a better Nigeria.

He referred to the initiative behind the coalition as “Sabuwar tafiya” in Hausa, translating to “a new pathway” in English.

The PDP presidential candidate in 2023 expressed optimism about announcing the coalition soon and appealed to the public to join the movement.

“Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned — APC, PDP, Labour, and others — have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar tafiya, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” he added.

“And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon we will announce. We hope and we appeal to you all to be part of this movement.

“Whatever vehicle that will give us good governance in the future of our children and grandchildren, that is the vehicle we are going to ride on.

”Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway.”

On Monday, governors elected on the platform of the PDP ruled out the possibility of coalition or merger with any political party ahead of the 2027 elections.