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By Myke Agunwa
The plot to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election has gathered additional momentum as a group of politicians from different political parties is seeking the blessing of former President, Muhammadu Buhari
The coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, visited the former President at his residence in Kaduna on Friday.
A source very close to the delegation but would not want his name in print, revealed that the purpose of the visit was to seek the support of the retired general.
According to the source, the group is asking the former President to buy into the coalition project, explaining that it is only a coalition of politicians that could muster enough resources and votes to defeat President Tinubu in 2027.
Giving more insight into what transpired during the meeting he said, “The leader of the delegation, Atiku Abubakar took time to explain to the former President the need for the present administration not to be allowed to stay beyond a single tenure. He explained that a lot of Nigerians are going through untold hardship due to the anti-people policies of the present administration.
“He said that the dismantling of democratic institutions as was witnessed in Rivers State under a democratic regime was an indication that democracy was in danger under Tinubu.
“He also stated that the introduction of tax reform bills, an increase in the cost of doing business, increase in electricity, telephone and bank charges have depleted the economy of ordinary Nigerians and pushed more people into the poverty threshold.
“He told the former President that history will not be fair to him if he sits down and does nothing, hence the need to join hands with the coalition to ensure that President Tinubu is not re-elected in 2027.”
The former President, while welcoming his guests, reiterated that he would remain with the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He, however, said that any of his supporters are at liberty to join the coalition or whatever political party he or she wishes.
“Buhari asked his Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) base to join the coalition. He said that while he remains in APC, he won’t stop the CPC from joining a coalition of their choice. Former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, is leading the CPC elements,” the source added.
What is unclear is the political party the coalition will use to achieve their plans. While some have argued that the Social Democratic Party (SDP) was being prepared as a launching base for the coalition, our source explained that Atiku is lobbying that PDP be used for the assignment.
“Atiku believes that PDP has the spread and structure that could be used to execute the plan. He believes that he is in control of PDP governors and that the coalition will gain more force if PDP governors are allowed to buy into the project.
“All the same, Atiku does not want to be seen jumping into another party, having contested the Presidency in three different political parties without success. He wants to be seen as someone who is no longer moved by the urge to grab power,” the source further said.
On the delegation was the Governor of Katsina State, Dr. Dikko Radda, former governor of Kaduna State Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Imo State Achike Udenwa, former governor of Sokoto State Aminu Tambuwal, former governor of Benue State Gabriel Suswan and other top politicians.
Recall that in February, the ex-Vice President had paid a courtesy call to his boss, former President Olusegun Obasanjo as well as former Heads of State, Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Atiku has not hidden his intention to unseat the present administration, maintaining that only a coalition is capable of staging such a defeat.