COALITION IN CRISIS AS POLITICIANS SCHEME OVER 2027 PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATURE

A power play is brewing among top politicians in the coalition over the choice of presidential candidate for the 2027 election. Sources close to the matter reveal that some prominent politicians are considering withdrawing from the arrangement due to alleged underground operations by Atiku Abubakar’s camp, which may conflict with the wishes of others and potentially undermine the coalition’s purpose.

According to insiders, Atiku’s camp is planning to adopt the Social Democratic Party (SDP) as its official party to run in 2027, after efforts to register the All Democratic Alliance (ADA) hit a snag. However, some politicians are reportedly scheming to hijack the SDP, prompting Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai to vow to pull out of any such move.

“Atiku is part of the coalition, and they have several plans. If ADA didn’t work, they will settle for SDP, but Atiku’s camp is already playing smart games, which is annoying Peter Obi and El-Rufai’s camp, threatening to pull out,” a source disclosed.

Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has clarified that there are no shortcuts to registering a political party. Despite rumored interest in registering ADA, the party has yet to meet the necessary requirements, according to INEC National Commissioner Sam Olumekun.

“INEC has received several letters of intent to register one political party or the other. However, not one has met the requirements needed to proceed to a formal registration application process,” Olumekun stated during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

The development has led to finger-pointing among politicians within ADA, with some accusing INEC of obstructing the registration process. As the 2027 election approaches, the infighting within the coalition and challenges with party registration may have significant implications for Nigeria’s political landscape.