2027 Elections: Northern Leaders to Unveil Presidential Candidate and Political Party — NPCG
ABUJA — A powerful alliance of Northern political leaders, under the umbrella of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG), has announced plans to present a consensus presidential candidate and unveil a new political platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.
The move, formalized during a strategic meeting in Abuja on Sunday, reflects growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s handling of security, economic hardship, and governance.
Key Figures Present at NPCG Meeting
Attendees included:
- Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar
- Former AGF Abubakar Malami
- Ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi
- 2023 LP presidential candidate Peter Obi
- A representative for Rauf Aregbesola, former Interior Minister
In a communiqué signed by Mr. Babachir Lawal, former Secretary to the Government of the Federation and NPCG Chairman, the group cited worsening insecurity, unemployment, and widespread poverty in Northern Nigeria as key reasons for political realignment.
“The North must proceed with a united front in its political choices to secure maximum benefits from national participation,” Lawal stated.
The group condemned some Northern governors and lawmakers for endorsing Tinubu’s second-term ambition without consulting their constituents, urging citizens to sanction such actions.
Coalition Sparks Division in Labour Party
The involvement of Peter Obi in the coalition, however, has triggered a leadership crisis within the Labour Party (LP).
Factional Chairman Julius Abure criticized Obi’s role, declaring:
“Obi lacks the authority to negotiate any coalition on behalf of the party.”
LP’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, added that Obi’s actions were “unacceptable” and “disrespectful” to party leadership.
Caretaker Committee Backs Obi
Conversely, Senator Nenadi Usman’s National Caretaker Committee backed Obi’s coalition involvement, describing it as patriotic and aligned with the party’s values.
In a statement, Ken Eluma Asogwa, media aide to Senator Usman, said:
“Obi’s commitment to ending insecurity, hunger, and poor governance mirrors Labour Party’s founding principles.”
He reaffirmed that Obi retains the right to contest under the LP platform if coalition talks fail.
