Former Ekiti State governor Ayo Fayose has rejected recent efforts to form a political coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections, calling the idea pointless and lacking real support.
Speaking on Politics Today on Channels Television on Friday, April 18, Fayose—a senior figure in the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP)—criticized the coalition effort led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, saying it “was a dead horse from the start.”
In recent weeks, opposition leaders have been meeting to explore the possibility of forming a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Atiku, who ran against Tinubu in 2023 as the PDP candidate, has been encouraging political cooperation across party lines. But the proposal hasn’t gained much momentum, even within the PDP itself.
Earlier this week, PDP governors clearly stated they are not interested in any merger or alliance with other parties—further weakening Atiku’s push. Fayose pointed to this as proof that the plan lacks the needed backing.
“Tell me one respected Nigerian who supports this coalition,” Fayose said. “The PDP governors’ statement in Ibadan basically told Atiku: ‘We’re not with you.’ That coalition exists only in people’s imagination—it’s a waste of time.”
Fayose also suggested that some opposition governors prefer Tinubu’s leadership over Atiku’s candidacy. He argued that the PDP needs to resolve its internal issues—especially around its zoning system—before any coalition talk can be taken seriously.
“I openly opposed Atiku in 2023 and I’ll do so again if he runs,” Fayose declared. “After eight years of a northern president, power should shift to the South—whether that’s the South-East, South-West, or South-South.”
Blaming the PDP’s crisis on the breach of its zoning arrangement, Fayose emphasized the importance of respecting internal agreements. “Those who handed power back to the North caused all this,” he said.