The opposition coalition against President Bola Tinubu’s re-election is facing fresh hurdles as a clash of interests of its key promoters has stalled the group’s final decision on the choice of its adopted political party, THISDAY has learnt.

It was gathered that the group could not agree on the choice of the political party due to the presidential ambitions of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi, and ex-Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi.

The group had scheduled to meet on May 30, 2025, but could not meet due to this development.

Investigation revealed that the coalition members were divided on two options: Adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and registration of a new political party, All Democratic Alliance (ADA).

THISDAY gathered that Atiku, former governor of Edo State, John Oyegun; former governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Bello Tambuwal; and former governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola, are the arrowheads of the push for the adoption of the ADC.

It was gathered that Amaechi and the League of Northern Democrats (LND) are insisting on the registration of ADA.

However, the presidential ambition of the key actors is said to have stalled any final decision on the choice of the party to be adopted.

THISDAY gathered that the mood of the nation at the moment is that the presidency should remain in the South to complete the North-South rotation arrangement.

A source privy to the permutations told THISDAY that the attempt by Atiku’s camp to draft Obi as his running mate in the 2027 general election failed due to this consideration.

Atiku, it was learnt, has been unable to get another alternative running mate from the South-east.

While Atiku is said to have considered an Amaechi option a potential failure, the likes of Emeka Ihedioha, Osita Chidoka, and other potential running mates from the South-east who are believed to be working for the former vice president, are said to be concerned about the adverse effects of being seen to be working against Obi.

Ex-governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, is also said to have been overwhelmed by agitation for the presidency to remain in the South.

According to a source, ”if Atiku drops his ambition and nominates a running mate from the north to run with Obi, the coalition might make a headway.

He listed Governor Bala Mohammad of Bauchi State, Governor Lawal of Zamfara State, and former governor of Sokoto State, Senator Aminu Tambuwal, as Obi’s potential running mate if Atiku drops his ambition.

However, Atiku’s spokesman, Mr. Paul Ibe, told THISDAY that the issue of presidential ambition is secondary, as it amounts to “putting the horse before the cart.”

“We are at the foundation level of the coalition. This is like building a house; we have a solid foundation before other things, and we want to ensure that there is a square hole and a square peg.

”There is no need to jump the gun. When we get to the bridge, we shall cross it,” he said.

One of Obi’s spokespersons, who declined to speak on the record, said: “Obi is a member of the Labour Party at least for now. He is also involved in the coalition. We are watching the developments and will speak out when the time is right.”

But the convener of the League of Northern Democrats, Dr. Umar Ardo, told THISDAY that what is stalling the adoption of a political party is the promoters’ perceived political ambitions, which they have discreetly refused to disclose.

We are almost at a crossroads because of the hidden agenda of the political ambitions of our main promoters and their supporters. We hope to sort them out soon, Ardo said.

Meanwhile, the founder and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Dr. Boniface Aniebonam, has said that ongoing coalition talks cannot be validly undertaken by former presidential candidates without the involvement of party leadership.

“We do not have individual candidacy in Nigeria. All presidential candidates emerge from political parties, and it is the parties that determine who their flag bearers will be,” he said.

Chuks Okocha

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