Nigeria’s 2027 election race faces opposition divisions and growing credibility concerns
Nigeria’s road to the 2027 presidential election is being shaped by two major challenges: President Bola Tinubu’s campaign for a second term and an opposition struggling to present a united front.
With roughly 77 days to the general elections, political activity is intensifying across the country, involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Tinubu’s campaign gains momentum
The APC has begun mobilising support for Tinubu’s re-election, with Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau expressing confidence in the president’s chances. Campaign groups in Ogun State have also pledged to secure two million votes for him.
The party has meanwhile urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to alter the election timetable in ways that could favour any political party.
Opposition faces internal divisions
While the ruling party builds its campaign, opposition figures are divided over strategy and political alliances.
Peter Obi, now the NDC’s presidential candidate, has called on Tinubu to abandon his re-election bid, arguing that Nigeria needs leadership capable of addressing poverty, insecurity, unemployment and failing public services.
Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has also challenged the APC campaign council’s defence of Tinubu’s record on electricity.
The ADC, meanwhile, has accused the government of creating difficulties for opposition activities, including alleged intimidation of political figures and restrictions on campaign venues. It claims an attack on the convoy of its Sokoto governorship candidate, Manir Muhammad Dan’iya, forced the party to reschedule its campaign launch. The APC has denied the allegation.
Political alliances complicate the contest
The opposition’s difficulties have been compounded by shifting political loyalties.
Former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike remains in the PDP but has declared support for Tinubu’s second-term campaign. Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA and Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party have also aligned themselves with the president.
In Bayelsa, former governor Seriake Dickson has accused his successor, Douye Diri, of betraying the state after joining the APC.
INEC under scrutiny
Beyond party politics, questions about the electoral process are emerging ahead of the vote.
INEC has faced criticism over reports that AI-generated photographs appeared in the preliminary voters’ register, alongside concerns raised by analysts about sharp increases in voter numbers at some polling units.
Legal experts have also questioned the commission’s authority to exclude candidates from the final list, raising the possibility of legal disputes over eligibility before the election.
Regional interests add another dimension
The debate over which region should produce Nigeria’s next president is also influencing political discussions.
Rabiu Kwankwaso and Kano Governor Abba Yusuf have argued that the presidency should remain in the South in 2027, citing the country’s existing power-rotation arrangement.
Works Minister David Umahi has called on voters in the South-East to support Tinubu while criticising Obi’s presidential ambition.
As the election approaches, the ability of opposition parties to overcome their divisions, INEC’s handling of electoral concerns and the competing political alliances will remain central to the contest. Allegations of intimidation and irregularities are also likely to keep attention focused on the credibility of the electoral process.
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