2027: Atiku ‘Begs’ Gusau To Rally Makarfi, Lamido, North Behind Anti-Tinubu Coalition
In a bold political maneuver ahead of the 2027 general elections, former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has reportedly sought the intervention of retired General Aliyu Mohammed Gusau to unify northern political heavyweights under a broad opposition coalition aimed at challenging President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to reports by Eyesjournals, Atiku recently held a private meeting with Gusau, Nigeria’s former National Security Adviser and one of the country’s most discreet but influential power brokers. Sources revealed to The Whistler that Atiku personally appealed to Gusau to help persuade three key northern leaders to join forces with the opposition alliance currently taking shape.
“Atiku begged Aliyu Gusau to specifically speak to former Senate President, David Mark, former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi,” a source familiar with the closed-door discussion disclosed.
These northern leaders have so far remained uncommitted, expressing concerns over the coalition’s motives, structure, and leadership dynamics.
Despite his own reservations about the yet-to-be-fully-structured alliance, Gusau reportedly agreed to initiate a dialogue. He has already reached out to the three political figures, inviting them to a confidential strategy session at his Abuja residence scheduled for this weekend.
“The meeting is for them to discuss the motives and modalities for the coalition and see if it’s worth supporting,” said a source close to Gusau.
Northern Bigwigs Wary, Division Runs Deep
The hesitation among northern political leaders reflects the deeper fissures within the PDP and the wider opposition. David Mark, known for his cautious political engagements, has so far maintained distance, reportedly due to uncertainty over the coalition’s objectives.
Sule Lamido has taken a more confrontational stance, recently condemning PDP figures who have openly supported President Tinubu’s administration. He has vowed not to attend any party meeting until disciplinary action is taken against FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, both of whom were seen as siding with the ruling APC during the 2023 elections.
Ahmed Makarfi, another influential PDP figure, has remained publicly silent but is widely viewed as cautious and strategic, especially when it comes to aligning with coalitions that include former adversaries or lack internal cohesion.
A Growing But Fragile Alliance
The proposed coalition is spearheaded by Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a former APC stalwart. The emerging bloc also includes Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, and Salihu Lukman, a former APC Vice Chairman (North-West), as well as other disaffected figures from across Nigeria’s fractured political landscape.
The group is attempting to court disgruntled elements from the APC, Social Democratic Party (SDP), and various smaller opposition parties, hoping to form a credible threat to Tinubu’s dominance in 2027.
Yet, insiders warn that ideological differences, personal rivalries, and unresolved grievances could derail the alliance before it fully forms.
The Road to 2027: North Holds the Key
Analysts believe that northern unity could be the deciding factor in 2027. Atiku’s move to involve Aliyu Gusau—long regarded as a behind-the-scenes dealmaker—signals the urgency and stakes of rallying consensus in the region.
For Atiku, the 2027 election could be his final shot at the presidency. But to stand a fighting chance, he will need to consolidate not just the PDP, but also bridge gaps across party lines and appease longstanding critics.
Whether Gusau’s mediation will succeed in reconciling reluctant leaders and legitimizing the coalition remains to be seen. But what’s clear is that political battle lines are being drawn, and the north may once again emerge as the decisive arena.