Opposition splits over single candidate to challenge Tinubu

The opposition's strategy to coalesce behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election appears to be faltering as key factions and parties adopt divergent stances. While a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Tanimu Turaki remains open to an alliance, a PDP faction backed by Nyesom Wike has ruled out any such cooperation. Meanwhile, former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar's camp affirmed that opposition parties have already selected their candidates but are still committed to collaboration.

This fragmentation comes despite a recent summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where opposition leaders resolved to work together and explore presenting a unified presidential candidate. Signatories to the communique included prominent figures from various parties such as the African Democratic Congress, PDP, Peoples Redemption Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and others. However, approximately three months later, many of these leaders have secured presidential or vice-presidential tickets on different opposition platforms. Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi are candidates for the ADC, Seyi Makinde for the APM, and Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso for the NDC, among others.

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Although the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party keeps the possibility open, the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction ruled out any alliance.

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has dismissed the opposition's unity proposal, asserting it is incapable of preventing President Tinubu's re-election. The deadline for political parties to conduct primaries and upload candidate names to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) portal has passed, solidifying the current candidate landscape. Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the PDP's Turaki-led committee, commented on the situation, indicating that the parties have concluded their primary exercises.

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However, the APC dismissed the proposal by the opposition parties as incapable of stopping the President’s re-election bid.