The former presidential flag bearer of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has dismissed recent political moves by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and other prominent figures to establish a new coalition ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Sowore, while speaking in Abuja on Monday during the 50th birthday celebration of Mrs. Lillian Adebayo, wife of former Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo, minced no words as he lashed out at the character and credibility of those involved in the proposed alliance.
He pointedly criticised the personalities spearheading the coalition talks, describing many of them as political figures who were deeply entrenched in the failures of past administrations. According to him, such individuals lack the moral standing to claim they want to lead a reform-oriented movement.
“The APC was a coalition. Have we forgotten? These same people talking about forming a new coalition were all former APC members. In fact, many of them were part of Buhari’s cabinet. These are people who, by now, should be facing justice. They are not qualified to lead a coalition. What they are forming is not a political front—it is a union of people who should be in prison,” Sowore stated.
He expressed cautious support for the idea of opposition coalitions, but warned against the involvement of discredited politicians. Sowore argued that such alliances are often hijacked by self-serving individuals who will abandon their cause the moment they secure political favour or power.
“I am not against opposition or coalitions. But I am totally opposed to a coalition that includes someone like El-Rufai. When the chips are down, the same people will strike a deal and return to the fold they claim to oppose,” he said.
He further warned that any coalition that aims to align with genuine pro-people platforms like the Social Democratic Party must be rooted in integrity and sincerity of purpose.
“If the aim is to serve the Nigerian people, the SDP can be part of the conversation. But if this is just a gathering of disgruntled former Tinubu loyalists looking for a temporary platform, they should return to their political family and settle their differences. Don’t turn SDP into a getaway vehicle for a political robbery we did not plan,” Sowore cautioned.
Prince Adewole Adebayo, in his own remarks during the celebration, echoed similar reservations. He told journalists that while political collaboration is welcome, the SDP would not allow itself to be used for ulterior motives.
“My party is very clear—I am running in 2027. But when it comes to this coalition talk, we are being very cautious. We won’t allow ourselves to be used as a pawn in a game that we neither started nor benefit from. We are not a getaway car for a conspiracy,” Adebayo noted.
In another comment at the same event, Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), emphasized the urgency of national unity in the face of worsening economic conditions. He called for any coalition to genuinely reflect the plight of the average Nigerian and move beyond mere political posturing.
“Any political gathering should be discussing how Nigeria can be rescued from the current hardship. Since this government came in, life has become unbearable. There is hunger in the land, cost of living is high, electricity and data tariffs are up, and Nigerians are under severe pressure,” Ameh said.
He noted that while a coalition can be a powerful political tool, it must be rooted in the needs and aspirations of the people, not a personal war chest for displaced political elites.
“What we need is a coalition that channels the pain and frustration of the people into real political action. This country is on the edge, and Nigerians can no longer afford politics as usual,” he added.
As the countdown to 2027 begins, the political space continues to heat up, with various camps strategizing for power. However, voices like Sowore’s are calling for greater scrutiny of those behind the scenes, insisting that any new political front must stand on the foundation of justice, accountability, and the people’s interest—not the ambitions of recycled politicians.
