Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has reiterated the commitment of the coalition he is putting together to adopt a strong platform to oust President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Atiku, a founding member of the Peoples Democratic Party, made the declaration during a meeting with a delegation of National Opinion Leaders, which paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja.

Taking to his verified X handle (formerly Twitter), the former Vice President likened the coalition to a fast-moving train “with multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades,” in the quest for good governance.

Atiku’s position is coming on the heels of the insistence by governors elected on the PDP platform that the party is the beautiful bride to court and not one to go out in search of intending merging partners.

Labelling the move against Tinubu ‘Sabo Tafiya (New Path)’, Atiku disclosed that: “A number of us, leaders from the APC, PDP, Labour, and others, have come together to say we are going to take a new path—a new pathway to a new Nigeria.”

According to him, the drive of the coalition transcends electoral victory to the delivery of good governance for Nigerians of all walks of life.

“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,” Atiku stated.

He urged Nigerians to resist financial inducement by politicians, saying, “Don’t be disrupted by people giving you pennies or kobos here and there, and then abandon your future and your children’s future.”

Atiku has become a huge figure, rallying leaders like former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, Dele Momodu, among others to constantly remind President Tinubu that 2027 will end his tenancy of the Aso Rock Presidential Villa.

The Former Vice President and presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 general election, has drawn inspiration from English Premier League club, Arsenal FC, to emphasise the importance of unity and consolidation in coalition politics.

Atiku praised Arsenal’s performance and noted that the team’s victory was a valuable lesson in the strength of collective effort.

“Arsenal just taught us a lesson in consolidating our strengths in a coalition vehicle.

“Victory is assured when we stand united,” Atiku wrote.

The remark comes amid ongoing debates over political alliances ahead of the 2027 general election, particularly regarding opposition coalition talks in which Atiku has been a vocal advocate.

While the PDP Governors’ Forum recently resolved not to participate in any merger or coalition, Atiku has stressed the importance of unity among opposition parties to unseat the ruling All Progressives Congress in the next election cycle.

Drawing from football to reflect political strategy, his latest comment appears to be a subtle nudge to like-minded politicians and parties on the need for synergy and purposeful collaboration.

Atiku, a lifelong football enthusiast and known supporter of Arsenal FC, has often used sports analogies to connect with young Nigerians and broader audiences on matters of national and political significance.