Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has stepped up efforts to rally support for a proposed opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, seeking the backing of key northern political leaders to strengthen the alliance.

In a recent private meeting, Atiku reportedly visited former National Security Adviser General Aliyu Gusau (rtd) and appealed to him to help persuade prominent northern politicians who have expressed scepticism about the coalition’s direction and motives.

“Atiku begged Aliyu Gusau to specifically speak to former Senate President David Mark, former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido and ex-presidential aspirant and former governor of Kaduna State, Ahmed Makarfi,” a source familiar with the meeting disclosed. “These are northern leaders who have expressed scepticism about the Atiku/El-Rufai coalition and have distanced themselves from it,” the source added.

General Gusau, a retired military intelligence chief and one of Nigeria’s most influential political figures, has previously served as national security adviser to both Presidents Olusegun Obasanjo and Goodluck Jonathan. He remains a powerful force in the background of Nigerian politics.

Though initially unconvinced about the intent of the coalition, Gusau agreed to initiate contact with the three senior northern figures to understand their perspectives and possibly facilitate a path forward. A meeting has reportedly been scheduled for this weekend at his Abuja residence.

“The meeting is for them to discuss the motives and modalities for the coalition and see if it’s worth supporting,” a source close to the talks confirmed.

David Mark, Sule Lamido, and Ahmed Makarfi have all been courted, it is understood.

Mark is said to be particularly cautious due to what some describe as a lack of clarity in the coalition’s formation. Makarfi has remained silent on the matter, while Lamido has taken a more vocal stance.

Lamido recently declared that he would not participate in any PDP meeting unless the party sanctioned key members who had openly endorsed President Bola Tinubu for a second term. He specifically named the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, and former Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, as examples.

The proposed coalition is a joint effort by several prominent opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.

[Politics Nigeria]