Strategic maneuvers and political discussions are becoming more intense as Nigeria approaches the 2027 presidential election. Notable opposition leaders Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, are at the core of these developments.
Discussions about strategy by the opposition
Unity is becoming increasingly important after the 2023 elections, in which a divided opposition was unable to overthrow Tinubu.
The PDP’s Deputy National Publicity Secretary, Ibrahim Abdullahi, has previously stated that if the party had handled internal disputes more effectively, Obi and Kwankwaso might have stayed with the party, which could have changed the outcome of the election.
In order to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027, he underlined the importance of continuing talks to build a strong coalition.
Some analysts, though, are pessimistic about the opposition’s prospects.
Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso were warned by activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju not to invest in a second presidential campaign, stating that even a united opposition could be unable to defeat Tinubu’s political power and Nigeria’s electoral system.
Appeals for more extensive partnerships
A wider opposition coalition is being pushed by some voices in addition to Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso. Former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman, has advocated for oppositional alliances among former Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, and Nasir El-Rufai. The only effective way to challenge the APC’s dominance, he emphasized, is to put aside personal goals in favor of creating a powerful political party.
The standing of the ruling party
There is a mixture of confidence and prudence in the APC with regard to the 2027 elections. Although the opposition may reorganize, the party is confident that President Tinubu’s government will keep fulfilling its commitments, thereby gaining the support of the populace.
Tinubu’s chances of winning reelection were dismissed by Ahmed S. Aruwa, the Kano APC’s publicity secretary. He claims that the end of Atiku Abubakar’s political career is imminent. Additionally, he denied Kwankwaso’s significance, claiming that his recent encounter with former Minister Rauf Aregbesola was only an attempt to stay in power.
At the moment, Kwankwaso does not have a political party, Aruwa said.
His popularity in the North is exaggerated, and Tinubu’s economic reforms and anti-insecurity campaign are superior.
Ahead of 2027, what analysts are saying
There is still disagreement over what the 2027 elections are likely to bring.
Abdullahi Abba, a political analyst, was inclined to support an Atiku administration. He maintained that the extensive network of allies and supporters that Atiku has amassed throughout Nigeria is a result of his lengthy political career.
Abba claimed that his connections within the party and the larger political scene were strengthened by his prior positions, which included vice president.
He added that Atiku’s track record of establishing alliances across various regions and ethnic groups enhances his appeal as a unifying candidate. He did, however, caution that internal party dynamics might present difficulties.
Partitalism within the PDP could result from the aspirations of other powerful individuals, like Governors Bala Mohammed and Seyi Makinde? Controlling these relationships will be essential to Atiku’s success.
Dr. Sa’id Dukawa, a political scientist at Bayero University Kano, adopted a more comprehensive stance, predicting that the 2027 election will be a fierce contest in which all significant players will be actively involved.
“Political alliances and cross-carpeting are at their highest point ever. Politicians are preparing early, and 2027 will be a game-changer,” Dukawa remarked.
Public sentiment and the road ahead
As political maneuvering intensifies, Nigerians remain divided in their expectations. Many citizens continue to demand a government that can effectively tackle insecurity, economic instability, and corruption.
He echoed growing public sentiment, saying that it may be difficult for Tinubu to retain power unless significant improvements are seen.
“As alliances form and strategies unfold, Nigerians remain the ultimate decision-makers. If they do not see the change they voted for, they will replace Tinubu’s government with a more promising candidate in 2027.”
Read Also: Gunmen Storm Delta Church, Abduct Worshippers, Open Fire on Pastor
With the political terrain shifting rapidly, the coming years promise intense activity as both the ruling party and the oppositions position themselves for the decisive battle ahead.
Umar Ibrahim Umar, Executive Director of War Against Injustice, believes economic hardship caused by Tinubu’s reforms may jeopardize his chances in 2027.
“The economic reforms have caused more hardship than relief Subsequent policies have not been any friendlier,” Umar said.
2027: Who will Northerners support?
Many Northerners are yet to decide who will get their votes—if they choose to vote at all.
A few Keke Napep riders expressed frustration over the rising cost of petrol, which was the first major economic policy Nigerians criticized after Tinubu’s May 29 inauguration.
According to reports in Kano complained bitterly about how they had to abandon their higher-purchase agreements because they could no longer meet their daily targets.
One rider laments, “Now a liter of petrol goes for over ₦1,000, and it doesn’t even last.”
Another added, “We are looking for food. Who has time to vote?”
Despite intensified campaigns by Tinubu’s cabinet members and APC bigwigs—along with reports of crashing food prices in some markets in Northern Nigeria, many Nigerians remain skeptical about re-electing the current government.
The current uncertainty leaves them considering alternatives from either the PDP, NNPP, or even the LP.
