2027: Coalition Train has left the station, says Atiku to PDP delegation

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has restated his dedication to bringing together opposition political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Tuesday during a meeting with a delegation from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, alongside members of the National Opinion Leaders group headed by Yusuf Sheriff Banki, Atiku shared updates on the coalition he is currently building.

“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 his official X account.

He explained that the Nigerian Movement is being driven by citizens from all parts of the country who are determined to reclaim and rebuild Nigeria.

“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades,” he added, confirming his earlier meetings with representatives of the PDP in Nasarawa and national opinion leaders.

Atiku advised the groups not to be distracted by small financial benefits that could ruin their long-term goals.

He further disclosed that discussions have been ongoing with leaders from different political platforms, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, Labour Party (LP), and others. These meetings, he said, are aimed at charting a new direction for the country.

He described the initiative as “Sabuwar tafiya,” a Hausa phrase meaning “a new pathway.”

According to him, “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.”

Atiku said an official announcement would soon be made and urged Nigerians to support the movement.

“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,” he said.

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

Meanwhile, PDP governors have distanced themselves from any plan to merge with another political party ahead of the 2027 elections.