In a strategic move to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections, Prof. Pat Utomi, the convener of the National Consultative Front (NCFront), has announced plans to establish a formidable opposition coalition.
During an exclusive interview with a national newspaper on Sunday, Utomi, a well-known advocate for political reform, revealed that growing dissatisfaction within Nigeria’s major political parties—APC and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)—has led many of their members to consider aligning with the coalition.
A United Opposition for National Development
“This is serious business,” Utomi asserted. “At a time when the global order is shifting, Nigeria stands on the precipice. Our strategy is to target key influence groups inside political parties.”
He noted that several APC and PDP members are willing to join forces for the greater good, as they share the coalition’s values and vision for national development. Unlike previous alliances that struggled due to internal conflicts and a lack of strategic planning, Utomi emphasized that the new coalition would focus on governance improvement and national unity rather than mere electoral victories.
“In order to ensure that opposition efforts are directed at offering a real alternative to the current administration, rather than just winning elections, we are prioritizing policy-driven governance and accountability,” he said.
Emphasizing Governance Over Personal Gains
Utomi criticized the existing political structure, arguing that past governments have been hindered by the dominance of “one-man rule” and personal interests. He stressed the need for a leadership model based on collective decision-making rather than individual ambition.
“It is essential to have a government of national unity,” he stated. “Instead of egotists and narcissists who see governance as a means of personal enrichment and state capture, we need a developmental state that prioritizes every region of Nigeria.”
As part of its commitment to governance reforms, Utomi disclosed that the coalition will soon unveil a “shadow government” comprising technocrats and politicians dedicated to policy-driven leadership. This move aims to provide Nigerians with a clearer picture of the coalition’s governance approach and policy framework ahead of the 2027 elections.
TheNigerian News reports that Utomi and his team are working behind the scenes to strengthen opposition forces by engaging key stakeholders and interest groups. With Nigeria at a crucial crossroads, the coalition seeks to restore public trust in the political process by demonstrating its capability to offer a competent and people-centered government.
Restoring a People-Centered Democracy
Utomi outlined the coalition’s broader objectives, which include pushing for constitutional reforms, restoring a political culture centered on the common good, and ensuring that democracy genuinely serves the Nigerian people.
“A disciplined, selfless group committed to national development must lead the change Nigeria needs,” he declared. “We must expedite constitutional reforms and reestablish a political system where the people’s interests come before personal ambitions.”
As Nigeria heads toward the 2027 elections, the emergence of this coalition could reshape the country’s political landscape. With widespread dissatisfaction among citizens and a growing demand for genuine leadership, the opposition alliance led by Prof. Utomi presents a significant challenge to the APC’s hold on power.
Whether this coalition will successfully rally enough support to unseat the ruling party remains to be seen, but its formation signals a new phase in Nigeria’s political evolution—one that prioritizes governance, national unity, and the collective good over individual interests.
