Omoyele Sowore, the convener of the Take-it-Back Movement, has categorically ruled out joining the proposed coalition of former presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking on Arise TV’s Politics Today, Sowore dismissed the coalition efforts, linking them to past political alignments that, in his view, worsened Nigeria’s governance.

“I’m not joining any coalition. The coalition they formed in 2013 and 2015 led to the APC. Joining another coalition in 2025 is repeating the same mistake without learning from history,” he said.

Sowore insisted that only an alliance of the oppressed could bring real change.

READ ALSO: ‘Akpabio should be in prison, not Senate’ – Sowore [VIDEO]

“The coalition that needs to be built is that of the oppressed. Joining another coalition made up of the same people who created Nigeria’s problems is an injustice and an injury to Nigerians,” he added.

The activist also dismissed speculations about him joining the Social Democratic Party (SDP), stating, “I’m not part of those playing chess with the destiny of Nigerians.”

His remarks come as Atiku, Obi, and former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai push for a coalition to unseat President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

READ ALSO: Sowore rejects MKO Abiola ties – calls Tinubu’s influence overrated

Atiku, speaking at a press conference of Concerned Leaders and Political Stakeholders, warned against political interference that could subvert democracy.

Sowore’s rejection of the coalition underscores deep divisions among opposition figures as Nigeria heads toward another heated election cycle.

The Nigerians in Diaspora Movement for Democracy has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reconsider emergency rule in Rivers State, warning that democracy in Nigeria is under threat.

In an open letter co-signed by Dr Samson Idoko and Patriot John Andrew Onuh, the group’s President and Secretary-General, the organisation described the suspension of the Rivers State Governor, his deputy, and members of the State House of Assembly as a dangerous precedent.

“We wish to passionately plead that democracy should be allowed to thrive and seen obviously to be thriving,” the group stated.

The letter criticised the federal government’s handling of the political crisis, arguing that suspending elected officials contradicts democratic principles.

“With what has happened in Rivers State, it is potentially clear that democracy under your presidency is no longer thriving,” the statement read.

The group warned that if the situation remains unresolved, it could permanently stain Tinubu’s legacy.

“Democracy is in a state of asphyxia, losing air, and if nothing is done in a few minutes, it will be suffocated to death,” the letter cautioned.

Rather than emergency rule, the group proposed legislative measures, including banning those responsible from holding political office for at least ten years.

The letter concluded, “We are convinced that Your Excellency will heed this call and act expeditiously. ”

It urged Tinubu to take swift action to prevent further democratic setbacks.

Contrary to reports suggesting otherwise, 1,630 accredited delegates have gathered in Awka, Anambra State, to elect the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in an ongoing primary election.

As of Saturday evening, April 5, most of the delegates had been accredited and were awaiting the voting process. Seven aspirants had initially purchased nomination forms, but by 7 p.m., only four remained in the race.

Hon Nicolas Ukachukwu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, Engr Johnbosco Onunkwo, and Mr Edozie Madu are among the contenders still vying for the APC ticket.

Candidates who have stepped down

Meanwhile, three aspirants—Hon Chukwuma Umoeji, Sir Paul Chukwuma, and Prof Obiora Okwonko have officially withdrawn from the contest.

Senator Bassey Otu, Governor of Cross River State and Chairman of the Anambra Governorship Primary Election Committee, held a series of meetings with various sub-committees earlier in the day to ensure a smooth and transparent electoral process.

A visit to the election venue at Dr Dora Akunyili Women Development Centre in Awka on Saturday evening showed a peaceful atmosphere, with delegates making their way inside in order.

Security personnel were strategically positioned to maintain order.

With the voting process expected to commence soon, party stakeholders anticipate a free and fair contest that will produce a formidable candidate ahead of the Anambra governorship election.