2027: Baba-Ahmed, opposition leaders meet Atiku in Abuja - Punch Newspapers
The National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, and other coalition leaders have reportedly held a closed-door meeting with former Vice President and African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, in Abuja. The meeting, held at Atiku’s Abuja residence on Tuesday night, was attended by members of his campaign council as the opposition coalition intensifies consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PRP National Publicity Secretary, Muhammed Ishaq, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. Although the details of the nocturnal gathering were still sketchy as of the time of filing this report, multiple sources confirmed that the delegation also involved several chieftains of the Turaki-led Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples Movement. In his statement, Ishaq said the meeting was part of efforts to broaden and strengthen the opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 elections.See more Punch stories on Google.Add Punch on Google The PRP spokesman further described the engagement as a source of “tremendous inspiration” to the delegation, saying the coalition would continue consultations with other opposition party leaders and presidential candidates. He said, “Leaders of coalition parties, as well as others interested in joining, recognise the need to broaden and strengthen the coalition’s capacity to defeat the APC in 2027 and give Nigeria a new lease on life.” Similarly, Ishaq condemned the reported arrest and arraignment of five youths in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription, “Tinubu Must Go.” Wike’s son denies $2.1m land deal, alleges forgery Court remands ‘fake’ PFIPC DG Adeniyi in prison Why five men with ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-shirts were arrested – Police “The reported arrest in Borno State of young people wearing T-shirts bearing political messages is unequivocally condemned. The coalition will take up the matter. “Nigeria must not become a country where citizens are treated as hostages and released only when political conditions are met,” he said. The Borno State Police Command reportedly arrested and arraigned the five men in Maiduguri over allegations including criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery. The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The case was adjourned until October 6 for ruling on their bail applications, while October 26 was fixed for the substantive trial. In an earlier statement, Atiku had demanded the immediate release of the five men, with the former Vice President questioning whether wearing a political slogan could constitute an offence in a democracy. Atiku also compared the reported arrests with President Bola Tinubu’s opposition to fuel price increases during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan. “Tinubu was free to tell Jonathan that his policies were hurting Nigerians. Nigerians must be free to tell Tinubu that his policies are hurting them. Release these five citizens now,” Atiku said. Adebayo Folorunsho-Francis The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties
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