Mixed Reactions Trail Opposition Coalition Plan for 2027 Presidential Race

Nigeria’s political landscape has been thrown into debate following a pledge by opposition leaders to present a unified presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections.

The resolution was reached at a summit in Ibadan, where prominent figures from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), alongside Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, agreed to support a single candidate.

Attendees included Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, David Mark, and Tanimu Turaki, among others seeking to consolidate opposition strength.

Despite the show of unity, the initiative has sparked sharp divisions. The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the alliance as inconsequential and criticised remarks attributed to Governor Makinde referencing the violent “Operation Wetie” era.

Reacting, APC spokesman Felix Morka said: “Makinde’s violent rhetoric cannot be dismissed as mere opposition posturing… His statement risks fueling anarchy, murderous rage and widespread lawlessness.”

The party further described the gathering as a “coalition of confusion,” questioning the stability and credibility of the opposition parties involved.

Key government figures, including Nyesom Wike and Festus Keyamo, also rejected the proposal. Keyamo raised concerns about its feasibility, stating:
“They are a confused lot. Team up under which banner? What happens to the candidates for other offices…?”

He warned that similar last-minute alliances had previously failed, suggesting the coalition could face setbacks.

Meanwhile, Omoyele Sowore of the African Action Congress (AAC) distanced himself from the meeting, saying he declined the invitation on principle.

“There is no need to pretend that the same men… can suddenly reinvent themselves as champions of progress,” he said.

On the other hand, the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) endorsed the move, calling it a “historic realignment of purpose” aimed at unseating the ruling party.

Afenifere also supported the concept but insisted the opposition must present a clear ideological alternative. “It’s a good idea… but it must be based on policies that uplift Nigerians,” its spokesman said.

Analyst Akin Osuntokun expressed optimism, noting the alliance could help preserve Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

However, cracks within the opposition remain evident, as factions within the ADC and the Social Democratic Party (SDP) rejected the Ibadan declaration, citing exclusion from the process.

APGA chieftain Chekwas Okorie described the development as a strategic counter to the APC’s dominance but warned that its effectiveness would depend on execution.

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