Hopes of a united opposition ahead of the 2027 elections appear to be fading, as internal disagreements have fractured a once-promising coalition.
The alliance, which rallied under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to challenge President Bola Tinubu, is now struggling to hold together after disputes over who should fly the party’s presidential flag.
The coalition had brought together heavyweights including Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Kayode Fayemi, among others.
At the time, the goal was clear: build a strong, united front capable of unseating the ruling party in 2027.
But that unity has since unraveled.
Trouble began brewing within the party’s leadership structure. After the resignation of the ADC’s former chairman, Ralph Nwosu, an interim leadership led by David Mark stepped in. That arrangement was quickly challenged by a rival faction headed by Nafiu Bala, who insisted he was the rightful successor.
The disagreement spilled into the courts, dragging in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and further complicating the party’s internal structure.
Although the Supreme Court later set aside part of an earlier appellate ruling and asked parties to return to the lower court, it stopped short of delivering a final resolution leaving the dispute unresolved.
While the legal tussle raged, another fault line emerged: the race for the presidential ticket.
Supporters of Atiku pushed hard for him to lead the party into the election, while allies of Peter Obi argued that power should shift to the South, positioning him as the better candidate. The standoff dragged on for weeks without a breakthrough.
Tensions escalated further after accusations from Obi’s camp that attempts were being made to influence the process financially claims that only deepened mistrust within the ranks.
As the crisis worsened, cracks turned into exits. Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso have moved on, aligning with a new platform, the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Several lawmakers and party members have followed suit, citing frustration with the prolonged infighting.
Insiders say more defections could follow in the coming days, especially with electoral deadlines approaching.
“A divided opposition benefits Tinubu”
Some within the party believe the breakdown plays directly into the hands of the ruling camp.
A party chieftain in Benue State claimed the crisis has effectively weakened the opposition’s chances, warning that a divided front could once again split votes much like what happened in the 2023 election.
Whether the opposition can regroup remains uncertain. For now, what was once seen as a formidable coalition is splintering, leaving the political landscape ahead of 2027 increasingly unpredictable.
