South-West PDP Rejects Atiku, Obi, El-Rufai, Aregbesola Coalition Movement
By Erewunmi Peace
The South-West caucus of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has officially distanced itself from the newly formed opposition coalition movement reportedly spearheaded by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola.
The movement, which is said to be anchored on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), aims to form a “third force” ahead of the 2027 general elections. However, the PDP’s South-West leaders have categorically rejected any involvement.
In a communique issued after a caucus meeting in Ibadan, the South-West PDP made it clear that it was not part of any coalition arrangement outside the official structure of the PDP.
“The South-West PDP is not part of any reported coalition involving Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Nasir El-Rufai, Rauf Aregbesola, or any other opposition figure. We remain fully committed to the PDP as the only credible platform for national redemption,” the statement read.
Prominent figures present at the meeting included Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke, former Osun Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and other top party leaders from the six states in the region.
They urged party members and supporters to remain loyal and focused, warning against distractions that could undermine the PDP’s structure and preparations for the 2027 elections.
The move comes just days after reports surfaced of ongoing talks among opposition leaders seeking to form a unified political front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the next elections.
Observers say the South-West PDP’s stance could pose a significant challenge to the emerging coalition, which relies on widespread support from all regions to succeed.
Meanwhile, the PDP Senate Caucus has also publicly distanced itself from the proposed alliance, emphasizing that any credible coalition must be party-led and not driven by individual ambitions.
