Ex- Vice President Atiku Abubakar has fired back at Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors who rejected coalition or merger with any other political party.

“Indeed, the Coalition Train has left the station and would have multiple stops to bring on board Nigerians of all shades” Atiku wrote on his X handle yesterday.

This comment is an indication that the former Presidential candidate and his political party have parted ways in the build-up to the 2027 elections.

He also gave a hint of likely dumping the PDP to realize his bid to contest the election.

He said: “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”.

The PDP National Vice Chairman (Southsouth) Dan Orbih blamed the party’s protracted crisis on an entrenched interest in contesting every presidential election without respecting the provisions of the PDP constitution.

Although, he did not name the entrenched interest, Atiku had contested for president two times on PDP platform and one time, using the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) platform.

In their communiqué after their meeting in Ibadan on Monday, the governors said their decision on rejection of coalition, was taken after due consultation with all PDP party organ.

But at a meeting with a delegation of the PDP from Nasarawa State, Atiku insisted that the merger train had already left the station.

The team was led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana and members of National Opinion Leaders, headed by Yusuf Sheriff Banki.

“Yesterday, I met with a delegation of two groups, during which I briefed them about the status of the pan-Nigerian coalition that I am building in conjunction with other leaders and stakeholders across political divides and regions.

“I informed them that the Nigerian Movement is being powered by Nigerians desirous of reclaiming and rebuilding their country from across the nooks and crannies of our country.

“First was the meeting with a delegation of the PDP from Nasarawa State, led by Alhaji Jibirin Sabo Keana, and a delegation of National Opinion leaders, led by Yusuf Sheriff Banki,” he added.

Atiku also warned them against being distracted by minor financial offers that could jeopardise their future.

He said leaders from various parties, including the All Progressives Congress (APC), PDP, Labour Party (LP) and others, have been meeting to forge a new path towards a better Nigeria.

He referred to the initiative behind the coalition as “Sabuwar tafiya” in Hausa, translating to “a new pathway” in English.

Atiku, who was PDP presidential standard bearer in 2023 expressed optimism about announcing the coalition soon and appealed to the public to join the movement.

“Now, because of that, that’s why a number of us leaders from the parties I have mentioned – APC, PDP, Labour, and others – have come together to say we are going to have what I call in Hausa Sabuwar tafiya, which in English means a new path, a new pathway to a new Nigeria,” he added.

“And we have been meeting, and by the grace of God, very soon we will announce. We hope and we appeal to you all to be part of this movement.

“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.

“Get to planning and working together and getting as many Nigerians as possible to get converted to this new pathway.”

Wike not the problem
According to Orbih, blaming the crisis tearing the PDP apart on Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister Nyesom Wike will amount to standing logic on its head.

He identified the real problem as those with entrenched interest in contesting every presidential election in flagrant disregard to the PDP constitution.

Orbih, also leader of the PDP Legacy Group in Edo, stated this while handing over the PDP new secretariat, he donated to the party on Wednesday in Benin.

He urged the Acting National Chairman, Ambassador Iliya Damagun to initiate congresses that would bring in new leaders capable of repositioning the PDP and restoring its lost glory.

Orbih said: “PDP is a strong and formidable party, but it still has challenges that we cannot afford to ignore or sweep under the carpet.

“Wike is not the party’s problem. The real issue is those who want to run every time without following the party’s constitutional guidelines.

“We must put our differences aside and work with sincere party members to rebuild and reposition the PDP for future political battles ahead.

“People are mocking the PDP and asking where we are, but I tell you today, the PDP in Edo is fully back.”

But a former PDP governorship candidate in Lagos, Segun Adewale disagreed with Chief Olabode George, who said that another shot at the presidency by Atiku on PDP ticket will kill the party.

Adewale, who said it was wrong for anyone to say the emergence of Atiku would undermine the party’s victory in 2027, contended that the chances of the party would rather be affected by anti-party activities and selfishness of some party leaders.

Senator Samuel Nnaemeka Anyanwu has rejected a resolution by the PDP Governors Forum appointing an Acting National Secretary, labeling it unconstitutional and a direct violation of both the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Constitution and a Supreme Court judgment.

Speaking through his spokesperson, Comrade Daboikiabo Z. Warmate, Anyanwu described the governors’ move as a “draconian” attempt to usurp party structures, calling it a “coup d’état” against the PDP.

Warmate noted that the PDP Constitution, specifically in sections 45, 47, 49, 57, and 59; the appointment, election, replacement, or removal of a national officer must follow due process. He maintained that Senator Anyanwu has neither resigned nor vacated the office of National Secretary, making the appointment of an acting secretary baseless. “Only the National Convention holds the authority to appoint or remove national officers, Anyanwu remains the legitimate National Secretary until December 2025’, he said.

Warmate warned of dire consequences if the resolution is not immediately reversed, accusing the governors of acting beyond their constitutional powers and stirring internal party conflict, particularly one linked to alleged personal rifts with the FCT Minister.

He emphasized that only a national convention—not the governors’ forum—has the authority to appoint or remove national officers, slamming the move as illegal and a dangerous precedent for the party’s integrity.

Anyanwu called for calm and urged the governors to adhere to due process, warning that failure to reverse their decision could severely damage the PDP’s credibility and unity.

The Coalition Of South East Youth Leaders, COSEYL, the apex sociopolitical youth group in the South East geopolitical zone after a meeting of its leadership have perfected arrangements and plans to organize a 5 million man grand endorsement rally in support of our esteemed president, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Distinguish Senator representing Abia North senatorial zone in the Senate , Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, in the upcoming elections come 2027.

In an official press statement signed by Comrade Goodluck Ibem (President General) and Comrade Okey Nwaoru (Publicity Secretary) which was made public on Monday, 14th April, 2025, the group noted that Kalu has impacted the lives of people in the southeast via his leadership prowess and henceforth it was time to pay him back by mobilizing and overwhelming support on his behalf.

You will recall Kalu has won the best Performing Senator in Nigeria, an award given by Senate Press Corp. He has won this award three times consecutively.

COSEYL through the letter confirmed that they will mobilize, sensitize and deliver over 90% of votes to Kalu in Abia North and President Tinubu across the Southeast geopolitical zone.

“The rally is scheduled to take place in Abia State, and we will mobilize 5 million citizens from across the South East geopolitical zone. Our group is committed to ensuring a well-organized event that will serve as a platform to highlight the outstanding leadership of President Bola Tinubu and Senator Orji Uzor Kalu .

“We aim to mobilize the masses, showcasing the positive transformations led by Senator Kalu in Abia North constituency and reinforcing the president’s vision for our nation’s continued progress.”

This event is crucial in building momentum for the 2027 campaigns and ensuring that the South East remains a strong pillar of support for the President and Senator Kalu come 2027 general elections.” The Group opined.

The group further said that the huge and novel infrastructural developments Klau has attracted to Abia North and by extension Southeast has never been felt by the people of the zone.

“Truly, the people of South East are very pleased and very certified with the exceptional leadership and transformational contributions of Distinguish Senator Orji Uzor Kalu the Senator representing Abia North senatorial district in the Senate, which have significantly impacted the South East geopolitical zone, and will contribute immensely to securing a 90 percent electoral victory for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming elections come 2027.

“Senator Orji Kalu has proven to be a beacon of progress, consistently working toward the betterment of our region through building and renovations of schools, massive road construction, huge investment in agriculture for food sufficiency, youth empowerment programs and other democracy dividends too numerous to mention.

“Their unwavering commitment to the people has led to notable improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and other areas, fostering a sense of unity, trust, and development that has resonated deeply with constituents.

“Given this track record of success, it is clear that the Senator Kalu’s efforts have laid a strong foundation for ensuring that our geopolitical zone will overwhelmingly support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the next election come 2027.

“Their transformational performance has created a groundswell of support, positioning us to achieve a remarkable 90 percent electoral victory in favor of the President.

“We are confident that with Senator Orji Kalu leading the way, the future is bright for both our region and the nation as a whole. Together, we are poised for success in the upcoming election, and we look forward to the continued progress under President Tinubu’s leadership,” COSEYL asserted.