Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the Take-it-Back Movement, has firmly stated that he will not join the proposed political coalition between former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, which aims to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Sowore also made it clear that he has no interest in joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP) or any political group that, in his view, fails to represent the interests of the Nigerian masses.
Sowore made these comments during an appearance on Arise TV’s Politics Today, where he discussed his political stance ahead of the next presidential election. His rejection of the coalition came as part of his broader political philosophy that opposes alliances with the same political elites he believes have been responsible for the country’s current struggles.
Sowore’s rejection of the Atiku-Obi coalition stems from his belief that such coalitions, historically, have only perpetuated the same cycle of ineffective leadership in Nigeria. He pointed out that a similar coalition, formed in 2013 and 2015, resulted in the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), a party he claims has failed the Nigerian people. Sowore argued that another alliance between the same political figures would simply lead to the same outcomes, without any substantial change in the governance of Nigeria.
“I’m not joining any coalition,” Sowore stated. “The coalition they joined in 2013 and 2015 is what brought about the APC, so joining another coalition in 2025 is doing the same thing all over again without thinking of achieving the same set of results.” He criticized the lack of meaningful change that these political alliances have produced, adding that a new coalition must focus on the needs and demands of ordinary Nigerians rather than political elites who he believes are out of touch with the realities of the masses.
Sowore’s comments reflect his broader philosophy of political activism, which emphasizes the need for new leadership that is rooted in the struggles of the common people. He added, “The coalition that needs to be built is that of the oppressed. Joining another coalition made up of the same people who created the coalition that ruined Nigeria is an injustice and an injury to the people of Nigeria.”
Sowore is calling for the creation of a new kind of political alliance, one that he believes should be built around the principles of justice and the rights of the oppressed. He made it clear that he will only align himself with a political group that is truly dedicated to the empowerment of the Nigerian people and their long-term welfare.
He specifically pointed out that he would not join the SDP, nor would he align himself with any other political entity that, in his view, seeks to perpetuate the status quo of elite-driven politics. His stance comes at a time when various opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, are reportedly working together in a bid to challenge President Tinubu’s government in 2027.
Sowore’s view is that Nigeria’s political future must not be shaped by old alliances that only serve the interests of those who have historically had access to power, but instead should be driven by a broader coalition that includes ordinary Nigerians, youth, activists, and others who are committed to true change.
The announcement of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi’s coalition has sparked significant discussion in Nigerian political circles. Reports suggest that Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai are forming a coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Atiku himself recently addressed the media during a press conference held by the Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders in Nigeria, where he outlined the coalition’s goal of removing Tinubu from power.
Atiku, who has run for the presidency multiple times without success, warned the Nigerian government against prioritizing personal political ambitions over national stability. He cautioned that such an approach could plunge the country into chaos, highlighting the risks associated with holding onto power at all costs.
According to Atiku, the challenge is not just about removing a sitting president, but about ensuring that Nigeria’s democracy remains intact and continues to function in a way that is beneficial to all Nigerians. He argued that the country cannot afford to be mired in political instability and that efforts should be made to prioritize the well-being of the Nigerian people above individual political ambitions.
The potential formation of a coalition between Atiku and Obi highlights the fractured nature of Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 elections. Both Atiku and Obi represent factions of the opposition that have struggled to unite in the past, despite shared dissatisfaction with the ruling APC government. Atiku Abubakar, as the presidential candidate of the PDP, and Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 candidate, have both garnered significant followings in the last election, though neither was able to unseat President Tinubu.
Sowore’s rejection of their coalition adds another layer of complexity to the opposition landscape. While both Atiku and Obi are seen as viable contenders in the 2027 race, Sowore’s refusal to align with them underscores the deep divides within Nigeria’s opposition forces. Sowore is advocating for an entirely new approach—one that rejects the traditional political elites in favor of a movement that seeks to empower the oppressed and marginalized sections of Nigerian society.
For Sowore, the path to meaningful change does not lie in forming alliances with individuals who, in his view, have contributed to the country’s current political challenges. Instead, he believes that Nigeria’s future will be shaped by a new kind of politics that is focused on the needs of the people rather than the interests of political elites.
Looking ahead to the 2027 election, Sowore remains resolute in his stance. He is committed to his vision of a “coalition of the oppressed,” a movement that he believes will bring real, lasting change to Nigeria. This vision includes not just the rejection of traditional political alliances but also a commitment to building a broad-based movement that includes Nigeria’s youth, activists, and ordinary citizens who have long felt disconnected from the political establishment.
Sowore’s commitment to this cause, however, has faced criticism from some quarters, especially as the 2027 election approaches and the need for a unified opposition becomes more pressing. Critics argue that Sowore’s refusal to collaborate with established political figures could split the opposition vote, making it harder to challenge President Tinubu in the next election.
