Atiku, Tambuwal, El-Rufai-led Coalition Makes Inroads Into Niger Delta

An opposition coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Sokoto State Governor Senator Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai is reportedly gaining momentum in the Niger Delta ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Operating under the banner of Coalition 2027, the group is said to be rallying support from influential stakeholders in the South-South, with recent strategic engagements targeting the Ijaw ethnic group. The movement, which aims to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid, is being closely watched within political circles.

Although Atiku and Tambuwal remain in the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), they are spearheading discussions for a united front with other political forces. El-Rufai, who recently defected from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP), is reportedly playing a key role in the coordination.

Despite the growing traction, the Presidency has downplayed the coalition’s efforts. Stanley Nkwocha, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communication (Office of the Vice President), dismissed the movement, saying the Tinubu administration remains focused on governance.

“This brazen attempt by entitled and despairing power grabbers to instigate a crisis within the presidency in furtherance of their political ambitions is a disservice to Nigeria and Nigerians and is not what will give them victory in 2027,” Nkwocha said.

Multiple sources confirmed that the coalition recently reached out to key figures in the Niger Delta following what they described as growing discontent over recent federal actions, particularly in Rivers State.

Discussions reportedly intensified following President Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara, an Ijaw native, along with his deputy and the State House of Assembly.

“Whether we like it or not, there is no way any government can be put in place without the votes of the Ijaw ethnic nationality. No one can ignore our votes because we know our electoral value in Nigeria,” a source familiar with the matter stated.

“The next presidential election is going to be an eye opener for all – that no one can toy with our over six million votes across the Niger Delta. The mobilisation has commenced already. Initially, we were lethargic, but with the ordeal of the Rivers governor, an Ijaw man, we have resolved to work with the coalition to teach the APC a lesson come 2027.

“We cannot fold our arms and allow one individual to manipulate our future because of his inordinate ambition. Unfortunately, all those who ought to speak up are quiet because of the patronage they enjoy from the current system. They are silent because they appear to have everything, to the exclusion of other stakeholders like them,” the source added.

The coalition, according to reports, has already enlisted former heads of the Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), who are coordinating contact and mobilisation efforts among ex-agitators and grassroots political actors. At least three former militant leaders are said to have been tasked with coordinating efforts in Rivers, Bayelsa, and the Edo/Ondo axis.

However, tensions are reportedly brewing between the new coalition mobilisers and Chief Government Ekpemupolo, popularly known as Tompolo, over the control of pipeline surveillance contracts in the region.

Confirming the outreach, Timi Frank, a close aide to former Vice President Atiku and political figure from Bayelsa, said the movement was gathering significant support in the South-South and beyond.

“Yes, it is true. There is a strong reaching out to leaders in the South South, and even other parts of the country. It’s a strong movement and it will shock the ruling party by the time we complete the consultations and make it formally public,” Frank said.

He added that public frustration with the current administration has fueled momentum for the coalition.

“People are just tired of this administration,” he said.

“They don’t have credibility anymore. They have since lost the credibility of the people. They are seen to have betrayed the people, which they have. It is the people who are hungry, not those ones in power.

“They only know how to steal elections by writing results or buying votes. But the people are very vigilant now. They will not be able to steal votes this time around because the people are fed up and vigilant,” he said.