The leader of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), Prof. Pat Utomi, has revealed plans to establish a strong opposition coalition aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
In an exclusive interview with a national newspaper on Sunday, Utomi, a staunch advocate for political reform, attributed the initiative to growing dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s two major political parties. He stated that many discontented members of the APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are considering joining the coalition.
Beyond individual defections, he disclosed that at least five other political parties and various social movements are in discussions to form a unified opposition front.
“This is serious business. Nigeria is on the brink at a time of a changing global order. Our approach is to focus on core influence groups within parties,” Utomi said.
He emphasized that within both the APC and PDP, there are individuals who share his coalition’s values and vision for national development, and they are prepared to align for the greater good.
Unlike previous alliances, Utomi asserted that the coalition would not merely replicate traditional party structures but instead prioritize national unity and governance reforms. Leadership, he said, would be based on collective decision-making rather than the “one-man rule” that has undermined past political transformation efforts.
“A government of national unity is imperative. We need a developmental state that brings progress to every corner of Nigeria—not egotists and narcissists who see governance as an avenue for state capture and personal enrichment while the country slides into economic turmoil,” he stated.
To further its commitment to policy-driven governance, Utomi announced that the coalition would soon unveil a “shadow government” composed of technocrats and reform-minded politicians. This team, he explained, will actively engage in policy development and governance oversight, ensuring that opposition efforts go beyond winning elections to presenting a credible alternative to the current administration.
“The change Nigeria needs must be driven by a disciplined, self-sacrificing group focused on national development.
“We must ensure that democracy works for the people, accelerate constitutional reforms, and rebuild a political culture that prioritizes the common good over personal ambition,” he said.
The proposed opposition coalition signals a major shift in Nigeria’s political landscape, setting the stage for a high-stakes contest in 2027.
