Suspicion and internal unease are mounting within the United Opposition amid reports that a senior principal in the coalition is quietly pursuing a power-sharing deal with the current administration.
Sources familiar with the developments claim the opposition leader has already opened discreet negotiations aimed at securing a stake in government, even as he publicly maintains a hardline stance against the ruling side.
The talks are said to include demands for three Cabinet Secretary positions, four ambassadorial postings and at least six appointments in influential State corporations.
The alleged negotiations have fuelled mistrust among opposition ranks, with some leaders questioning the sincerity of the coalition’s criticism of government policies and leadership. Insiders say the move is driven largely by political survival calculations as the country edges closer to the 2027 General Election.
According to the sources, the opposition figure has been travelling extensively across the country, appearing alongside fellow opposition leaders at rallies and public forums where he has sharply criticised the government. However, behind the scenes, he is said to be charting a parallel path aimed at safeguarding his relevance and influence should the post-2027 political landscape shift.
The plan is reportedly known to only a small inner circle. Two Members of Parliament from his home region, described as close allies, are said to be the only individuals fully briefed on the strategy. The secrecy, sources say, is intended to avoid backlash from supporters and colleagues who remain committed to an uncompromising opposition posture.
Efforts to independently verify the claims were unsuccessful, and the opposition leader had not publicly responded to the allegations by the time of publication. The government has also not commented on whether any such negotiations are taking place.
The reports come at a time when opposition unity is already under strain, with internal disagreements over strategy, leadership and engagement with the ruling administration increasingly coming to the surface. Analysts warn that perceived double-dealing could further weaken the coalition’s cohesion and credibility ahead of the next election cycle.
