A chieftain of the Nigerian Democratic Congress, Buba Galadima, has called on former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to join the party, cautioning that he could be held responsible if opposition forces fail to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Galadima made the appeal on Monday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today, where he stressed the need for a consolidated opposition front to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.
He noted that key political figures had already aligned with the NDC, urging Atiku to follow suit in the interest of building a formidable coalition.
According to him, the earlier movement of opposition figures into coalition platforms was aimed at strengthening unity, but recent developments had disrupted that effort.
“The goal has always been to unify the opposition to effectively challenge the current administration. That is why I am appealing to Atiku Abubakar to join the NDC, just as others have done,” he said.
Galadima warned that failure to heed the call could weaken the opposition’s chances in 2027, adding that responsibility for any breakdown in unity could rest on the former vice-president.
He further argued that most major opposition figures were already gravitating towards the NDC, insisting that remaining outside the coalition could diminish Atiku’s political relevance within the emerging alliance.
The remarks follow the recent defection of former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, and ex-Kano State governor, Rabiu Kwankwaso, to the NDC, a move widely seen as part of efforts to reshape the opposition landscape.
However, allies of Atiku have dismissed reports suggesting he is considering joining the NDC. His media aide, Paul Ibe, denied any such plan, stating that no discussions were ongoing regarding a possible defection.
The development underscores growing realignments within opposition circles as political actors intensify consultations ahead of the next general election.
