Coalition Movement: Atiku, Obi, Amaechi, El-Rufai, Others May Lead Zonal Structures

LEADERSHIP gathered late yesterday that the opposition coalition movement may have assigned its top leaders to lead operations in its various geopolitical zones as part of measures to firm up its bases.

It was also gathered that the party platform for the coalition might be unveiled next week.

According to a source close to the operation, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar will be in charge of the North East zone, former Senate President David Mark will head the North Central zone, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai will head the North West zone.

In the southern geopolitical zone, while former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi would lead the South East zone, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi would head the South South zone.

Former Minister of Interior Rauf Aregbesola will head the South West zone. The source said the postings would be subject to further work and authorisation.

Recall that the coalition movement has deliberated whether to adopt an existing political party or register a new one.

While the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are likely platforms to adopt, other interests within the coalition have argued for the registration of a new party to avoid the pitfalls of battling for structure within existing parties.

Some coalition members have also accused the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of refusing to recognise applications from political associations seeking to become parties ahead of the 2027 election.