Sowore Criticizes Atiku, El-Rufai-Led 2027 Coalition, Warns Nigerians Against ‘Political Opposition Scam’
Former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, has strongly criticized the newly formed coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Sowore labeled the coalition as a “political opposition scam” and warned Nigerians against falling for what he described as opportunistic maneuvers by political elites.
Sowore made these remarks during an interview on NewsCentral TV, where he expressed skepticism about the intentions of the coalition members, accusing them of being complicit in the same political impunity they now claim to oppose.
Sowore’s Critique of the Coalition
“What is dangerous at this moment, aside from the three persons I mentioned to you (referring to Wike, Akpabio, and Tinubu), is the danger of falling for a political opposition scam. The people who might capitalize on this are not actually opposed to it; they are just opportunists who would do anything that comes their way to legitimize themselves,” Sowore said.
He specifically targeted Atiku and El-Rufai, highlighting their political histories. “Atiku is a former APC member, El-Rufai just moved to the SDP last week, and that is already stirring controversy because they said they don’t want him there. Whoever you see at the press conference claiming to oppose this has participated in this kind of impunity,” Sowore added.
Sowore also criticized Atiku for his silence during the Olusegun Obasanjo administration, where he served as vice president for eight years. “Atiku was vice president under Obasanjo for eight years. He never held a press conference then to say it was wrong for Obasanjo to do what he did at that time,” he noted, referring to the suspension of state governors under Obasanjo’s administration.
Warning Against El-Rufai’s Role
Sowore was particularly scathing in his assessment of El-Rufai, describing him as “the biggest snake in the house.” He accused El-Rufai of authoritarian tendencies during his tenure as Kaduna State governor, citing the controversial burial of 300 Shiites as an example of his governance style.
“El-Rufai, as we know him, is the biggest snake in the house. I’m using this period to warn the unwary people of Nigeria—if you fall for it, too bad for you. These are operatives moving in different directions, but at the end of the day, they are not opposed to each other. If they have the opportunity to come to power, they will do worse things. El-Rufai did worse things in his state. El-Rufai buried 300 Shiites,” Sowore stated.
Atiku’s Announcement of the Coalition
The coalition was formally announced by Atiku Abubakar during a press conference at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja on Thursday, March 20, 2025. Atiku confirmed that he, alongside Peter Obi, the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), and Nasir El-Rufai, had initiated a movement aimed at defeating President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 elections.
Key opposition leaders and political stakeholders attended the conference, which also addressed President Tinubu’s controversial declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. When asked if the coalition would serve as the primary opposition force against the APC in 2027, Atiku responded unequivocally, “Yes.”
Implications for Nigeria’s Political Landscape
The formation of the coalition signals a renewed effort by Nigeria’s fractured opposition to unite under a single umbrella and challenge the dominance of the APC. However, Sowore’s criticism raises important questions about the credibility and intentions of the coalition’s leaders.
Sowore’s warning highlights the need for Nigerians to critically evaluate the motives of political actors and avoid being swayed by superficial alliances. His remarks underscore the importance of holding leaders accountable for their past actions and ensuring that opposition movements are driven by genuine reform rather than opportunism.
Next Steps
As the coalition gains momentum, its ability to present a credible alternative to the APC will depend on its ability to address internal contradictions and build trust with the electorate. Sowore’s critique serves as a reminder that Nigerians must remain vigilant and demand transparency and accountability from all political actors.
The 2027 elections will be a critical test for Nigeria’s democracy, and the success of any opposition movement will hinge on its ability to offer a clear and principled vision for the country’s future.
