The camp of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar has cautioned opposition political parties against zoning their 2027 presidential tickets to the South, warning that such a move would hand President Bola Ahmed Tinubu an easy path to re-election.
The warning comes amid growing discussions within opposition circles over possible coalition arrangements and zoning considerations ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to key figures aligned with Atiku, the political realities of the country suggest that only a strong northern candidate with broad national appeal can effectively challenge President Tinubu at the polls. They argue that presenting another southern candidate against Tinubu, who is expected to seek a second term, would divide southern votes and weaken the opposition’s chances of mounting a serious challenge.
Sources within the former vice president’s political camp reportedly insist that the opposition must prioritize electability and strategic political calculations over regional sentiments if it hopes to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
“The focus should be on presenting the most formidable candidate capable of defeating the incumbent. Zoning the ticket to the South at this time may only strengthen President Tinubu’s chances and fragment the opposition’s support base,” a prominent ally of Atiku was quoted as saying.
The statement is likely to intensify political debates over power rotation and zoning, a longstanding issue in Nigeria’s political landscape. While some political stakeholders insist that fairness demands another southern candidate after President Tinubu’s first term, others believe national interest and electoral viability should take precedence.
Analysts say the emerging debate could shape alliance-building efforts among opposition parties, especially as discussions continue around possible mergers and strategic partnerships aimed at challenging the APC in 2027.
Former Vice President Atiku, who was the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election, has remained a key figure in opposition politics, though he has yet to formally declare his intentions for the next presidential race.
Meanwhile, political observers believe the controversy surrounding zoning and candidate selection may test the unity of opposition parties as they seek to present a united front against President Tinubu’s administration.
With political permutations already gathering momentum, the battle for Nigeria’s 2027 presidency is gradually taking shape, and debates over regional balance, party strategy, and leadership succession are expected to dominate the national conversation in the months ahead.