The South East Coalition for Good Governance (SECG) has appealed to former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar to support Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), in the 2027 presidential election, saying only one strong opposition candidate can defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In an open letter addressed to Atiku, the coalition said a contest involving Obi, Atiku and other opposition figures on separate platforms would fragment the anti-government vote and give the incumbent an advantage. It urged the former vice-president to consider the broader national interest in deciding his political path ahead of the election.
SECG said the outcome of the 2023 presidential election demonstrated the consequences of opposition fragmentation. It noted that Tinubu polled 8.79 million votes, compared with 6.98 million for Atiku and 6.10 million for Obi. “Put together, the votes secured by Atiku and Obi were far greater than Tinubu’s total,” the group said, arguing that a united opposition could produce a different outcome.
The coalition stressed that its appeal was not based on the argument that Obi was a better politician or statesman than Atiku. Rather, it said the recommendation reflected its assessment of the current political climate and the candidate it believed had the strongest potential to defeat Tinubu at the ballot.
“Alhaji Atiku, you are a major political force in northern Nigeria,” SECG said, describing his decades of political experience, extensive national network and influence across the North as valuable assets in any opposition coalition. It urged him to deploy those assets towards building a political alliance capable of challenging the ruling party.
The group said Obi had developed a significant following among young Nigerians, professionals and citizens seeking an alternative to the traditional political establishment. It also pointed to his performance in 2023, including his victory in Lagos and strong showing in other parts of the country, as evidence that his political appeal had expanded beyond his traditional regional base.
SECG argued that Obi’s appeal could complement Atiku’s political strength in the North, creating a broader electoral coalition. It said Obi’s support among younger voters and his strong presence in the South, combined with Atiku’s established network and influence in northern Nigeria, could produce a more competitive opposition challenge.
The coalition also criticised the Tinubu administration over the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians, citing high food prices, declining purchasing power and widespread pressure on households. It said many citizens were struggling to cope with the cost of living despite the government’s defence of its economic reforms.
The group further raised concerns about insecurity, citing terrorism, banditry, kidnapping and communal violence in different parts of the country. It said the security crisis had disrupted livelihoods, affected economic activities and left many Nigerians uncertain about their safety and future.
SECG said the combination of economic hardship and insecurity had strengthened the case for a credible opposition alternative. It cited the National Bureau of Statistics’ rebased Consumer Price Index, which puts headline inflation at 15.91 percent and food inflation at 17.52 percent, while also referencing an International Monetary Fund assessment on poverty and the economic impact of insecurity.
The coalition urged Atiku to view support for Obi as a statesmanlike decision rather than political surrender, arguing that he had already established his place in Nigeria’s political history. “Your legacy can be defined not only by the offices you have held or the elections you have contested, but also by the decision you make at a critical moment in Nigeria’s history,” it said.
SECG called on Atiku, Obi and other opposition leaders to put aside personal and party interests and work towards a single presidential candidate. It warned that another divided contest could allow Tinubu to benefit from a split opposition vote, urging Atiku to use his influence to help build a broad coalition capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027. “The time has come to put Nigeria first,” the group said.
