Atiku Fires Back At PDP Governors, Signals Breakaway As 2027 Coalition Gains Momentum

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has pushed back at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who recently rejected any coalition or merger with other political groups, saying the “coalition train has already left the station.”

In a post on his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), Atiku wrote:“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades.”

This bold declaration is seen as a clear sign that Atiku is moving away from the PDP ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, as he also hinted at possibly dumping the party altogether.

“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 added, reinforcing speculation that he’s exploring alternative political platforms.

 

Meanwhile, Dan Orbih, PDP National Vice Chairman (Southsouth), blamed the party’s long-standing internal crises not on external figures like FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, but on certain individuals who have turned presidential ambitions into a personal entitlement, ignoring the party’s constitution.

Though he didn’t name names, many interpreted the statement as a veiled criticism of Atiku, who has contested for president three times, twice under the PDP and once with the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).

Following a recent meeting in Ibadan, PDP governors issued a communiqué rejecting coalition talks, citing consultations with party organs. But Atiku, speaking to a delegation from Nasarawa State PDP and a group of National Opinion Leaders, insisted that plans for a new coalition are already well underway.

Atiku described the new initiative as a “pan-Nigerian coalition” comprising leaders and members from the APC, PDP, Labour Party, and other political affiliations. The movement, he said, is being called “Sabuwar Tafiya”, meaning “a new pathway” in Hausa.

“We are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar Tafiya – a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” Atiku declared.

He emphasized that the group would soon formally announce the coalition and called on Nigerians to support the cause.

“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway,” he said, warning supporters not to be swayed by “minor financial offers.”

The coalition idea has sparked mixed reactions within the PDP. While some, like Chief Olabode George, argue that another presidential run by Atiku could destroy the party, others like Segun Adewale, a former Lagos PDP governorship candidate, say the real danger lies in anti-party behavior and selfish leadership.

“It is wrong to say Atiku’s candidacy will destroy the PDP. What will hurt the party is internal betrayal and lack of unity,” Adewale argued.

Orbih, on his part, urged the PDP to focus on reform and internal restructuring, rather than scapegoating individuals. He called on the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun, to initiate congresses to elect new leaders capable of repositioning the PDP.

“Wike is not the problem. The real issue is those who want to run every time without following the party’s constitutional guidelines,” Orbih stated during the handover of a new PDP secretariat in Benin.

 

As 2027 approaches, the PDP faces a critical crossroads — either embrace reform and unity, or risk losing key figures like Atiku to rising alternative platforms. With the “Sabuwar Tafiya” coalition gaining traction, Nigeria’s political landscape could be in for a major realignment.