Connect with us

Latest

2027: Atiku ‘Begs’ Gusau To Rally Makarfi, Lamido, North Behind Anti-Tinubu Coalition

Published

6 months ago

on

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.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest

Osun Governorship: APC Committee Promises Transparent, Fair Delegate Congress Across The State

Published

3 days ago

on

December 10, 2025

By

Osun Governorship: APC Committee Promises Transparent, Fair Delegate Congress Across The State

The All Progressives Congress (APC) Gubernatorial Delegate Congress Committee has officially arrived in Osun State ahead of the party’s highly anticipated ward-level congresses.

The committee, led by Chairman Sheu Umar Dange, paid a courtesy visit to the state APC leadership on Tuesday, December 9, at the party secretariat along Osogbo-Gbongan Road.

APC Pledges Transparency and Fairness

During the meeting with Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal and local government party leaders, Dange emphasized the committee’s dedication to fairness and transparency.

“We are ready to conduct delegate congresses in all 332 wards across the state. Our activities will be conducted without bias, and we welcome any complaints to address them fairly,” he said.

Dange urged party stakeholders to see their participation in the exercise as a crucial contribution to strengthening APC’s electoral success in Osun.

Ensuring a Smooth Congress

Secretary of the committee, Chiedu Eluemunoh, explained that all mechanisms for a smooth process were already in place. This includes the deployment of ad-hoc staff to all wards to ensure efficiency.

He clarified that only revalidated members of the APC in Osun will be eligible to vote.

“Being a party member does not automatically qualify you to vote. Only those revalidated will participate in the congress,” Eluemunoh noted.

To address potential grievances, an Appeal Committee has been set up, with sittings scheduled to begin on December 10, to hear complaints from any aggrieved members.

State APC Leadership Pledges Full Support

In response, Osun APC Chairman Tajudeen Lawal welcomed the congress committee and assured them of the full support of the State Working Committee (SWC) to ensure a successful and credible exercise.

“We are committed to providing all the necessary support to guarantee a smooth and transparent congress for our party members,” Lawal stated.

Continue Reading

Crime

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Published

2 weeks ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

Fresh Wave Of Insecurity: Pregnant Woman And Several Residents Abducted In Niger And FCT

Nigeria continues to face serious security challenges as multiple communities in Niger State and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) experienced coordinated attacks this week. These incidents come just days after the abduction of students from St. Mary’s Catholic School in Niger State……CONTINUE READING

New Abduction in Niger State

Residents of Palaita community in Erena Ward, Shiroro Local Government Area were thrown into distress on Wednesday when armed groups invaded a rice farm and abducted several workers, including a pregnant woman. Community sources estimated the number of kidnapped victims to be around 24, while the Niger State Police Command confirmed 10 abductions as investigations continue.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred around 2:00 p.m. while farmers were busy harvesting their crops. Despite the community’s close proximity to a military base in Erena, the attackers escaped before security personnel arrived.

In a separate incident in Kakuru community, also in Erena Ward, residents reported that a visually impaired man was assaulted after refusing to hand over a mobile phone. The victim was given first aid, though his current condition remains unclear.

Police spokesperson, SP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the attacks, assuring that security agencies are actively working to rescue the victims and restore calm in the affected areas.

Fresh Abductions in the FCT

In Abuja, communities in the Bwari Area Council faced renewed tension following another night attack in Gidan-Bijimi, a settlement near the Kaduna boundary. Six young women and a 16-year-old boy were taken during the raid, according to residents.

The attack, which occurred around 9:47 p.m. on Wednesday, created panic among locals already concerned by previous incidents in the region. Local vigilance groups attempted to intervene but retreated due to limited resources.

As of Thursday morning, families reported that no contact had been made with the attackers, while police were still verifying the details.

Church Confirms Passing of Kaduna Cleric

The Diocese of Kaduna, Anglican Communion, has announced the death of Venerable Edwin Achi, who was abducted in October along with his wife and daughter. His passing was described as a deep loss to the Diocese and the wider Christian community. The Church also announced the cancellation of the upcoming “Stand Up for Jesus 2025” event in his honour.

The Diocese assured that prayers continue for the safe return of his wife and daughter.

Federal Government Responds to Rising Insecurity

Minister of Defence, Mohammed Badaru Abubakar, reaffirmed that the Nigerian military is intensifying efforts to eliminate criminal networks responsible for attacks across the country. He explained that intermittent assaults are typical of guerrilla-style tactics but insisted that security forces are “working day and night” to restore normalcy.

He further confirmed that the Federal Government has launched a full investigation into recent school abductions, including claims that security personnel were withdrawn prior to an incident in Kebbi State.

Police Redeploy Over 11,000 Personnel

Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, revealed that 11,566 police officers previously assigned to VIP protection have now been deployed to underserved communities to strengthen grassroots security.

He stated that the initiative is part of broader reforms aimed at improving community policing and ensuring fair distribution of manpower nationwide.

Cardinal Onaiyekan Calls for Better Equipment, Not More Personnel

Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan called on the Federal Government to prioritize properly equipping the officers already serving across the country rather than recruiting additional personnel. The Cardinal emphasized the need for immediate action, stressing that adequately supported police officers are capable of confronting insecurity.

Experts and Community Leaders Advocate Unity

Former Senator Shehu Sani and humanitarian organizations participating in the 9th International Conference on Love and Tolerance urged Nigerians to embrace unity, understanding, and dialogue. They highlighted the importance of addressing root causes of conflict, promoting peaceful coexistence, and supporting security agencies with the resources they need to protect communities.

Continue Reading

Crime

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Published

2 weeks ago

on

November 28, 2025

By

Dalung Breaks Silence: TikTok Chat With Bandit Exposes Deep Secrets Behind The Violence

Former Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalung, has opened up about a surprising and thought-provoking conversation he once had with a young man who claimed to be living in the bush as a bandit. Dalung shared the experience during an interview with News Central, explaining how the encounter gave him a deeper understanding of the issues fueling insecurity……CONTINUE READING

According to Dalung, he was browsing TikTok when he came across the young man, who openly described himself as someone living in the forest due to ongoing conflict. Curious, Dalung asked why they engaged in violent activities. The young man responded that they had suffered losses themselves and felt targeted by vigilante groups who, according to him, harmed their people and took their cattle. This, he said, pushed them into retaliation and led them deeper into the bush.

Dalung explained that he challenged the young man, pointing out that innocent people—including other Fulani individuals—were being harmed in the process. The young man replied that, from their viewpoint, only those living in the bush were considered part of their community, while anyone living in town was seen differently. It was a response that, according to Dalung, revealed how distorted perceptions can worsen the cycle of conflict.

Wanting to know if there was any path toward peace, Dalung asked what could help end the violence. The young man shared that they were open to negotiation and discussions that could encourage them to give up their weapons and reintegrate into society. Dalung noted that the confidence with which the young man spoke was unsettling, but it also showed that dialogue could be part of the solution.

Reflecting on the experience, Dalung urged the National Assembly to consider constitutional changes that would allow Nigerians the legal right to defend themselves responsibly, especially in areas affected by insecurity.

His conversation serves as a reminder of how complex the nation’s security challenges are—and how personal engagement, understanding, and strategic dialogue may help chart a way forward.

Continue Reading

Trending