In a bold political move, Nigeria’s top opposition leaders have agreed to join forces before the 2027 presidential election.
This decision aims to heal the divisions that helped President Bola Tinubu win in 2023.
By uniting, they hope to present a stronger challenge against the ruling party.
According to reliable sources, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (PDP), Peter Obi (Labour Party), and Nasir El-Rufai (SDP) finalized talks after months of negotiations. Surprisingly, they chose the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as their platform, despite its minimal impact in the last election. Together, they plan to consolidate opposition votes, which were split in 2023.
While no official statement has been released, insiders confirm the coalition’s goal is to avoid repeating past mistakes. Combined, opposition candidates previously secured more votes than Tinubu’s 8.7 million.
While spokespeople for the PDP and Labour Party acknowledged that their candidates were free to engage in discussions, they clarified that no formal talks about merging the parties have taken place.
A spokesman for the SDP was unavailable for comment.
However, El-Rufai confirmed the coalition discussions during a visit to Katsina on Wednesday, stating, “Yesterday at 8 pm, there was a very important meeting of the coalition to ensure that President Tinubu goes back to Lagos to attend to his grandkids.”
Challenges Ahead for the Opposition Alliance
Despite this progress, major obstacles remain. First, the coalition must agree on a presidential candidate. Nigeria’s unwritten power rotation rule between north and south complicates this decision. Atiku, a northern veteran, struggled in 2023 as southern voters backed Obi.
Additionally, Obi’s refusal to be Atiku’s running mate again could fracture their alliance. His youthful supporters may reject such a compromise. Beyond leadership, ideological differences and internal rivalries threaten unity. Meanwhile, Tinubu’s APC continues to lure opposition defectors, strengthening his hold on power.
Tinubu’s Administration Under Scrutiny
Public frustration with Tinubu’s economic policies could benefit the opposition. Inflation and harsh reforms have deepened Nigeria’s cost-of-living crisis. While intended to boost growth, these measures have hurt ordinary citizens. The coalition hopes to turn this discontent into electoral support.
Outlook for 2027
This alliance marks a critical step toward opposition cohesion. However, its success depends on resolving internal conflicts and maintaining nationwide appeal. As 2027 approaches, Nigerians will watch closely to see if this unity lasts—and whether it can truly challenge Tinubu’s dominance. The coming months will test the coalition’s strength and strategy.