Morganable politics/Elections
Following the May 30 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political parties to conclude their primaries, most opposition parties have already selected and submitted their presidential candidates, effectively complicating any effort to rally behind a single flagbearer
kaNo —
Nigeria’s opposition parties appear increasingly divided over a proposed plan to field a single presidential candidate against Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, raising fresh doubts about the viability of a united front to unseat the incumbent.
The disagreement comes barely three months after a high-profile summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where key opposition leaders resolved to explore the possibility of presenting a consensus candidate to strengthen their chances at the polls.
At the meeting held on April 25, political heavyweights across multiple parties pledged cooperation and signed a communiqué committing to collaboration ahead of the election.
Among those present were Atiku Abubakar, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
Party leaders who reportedly endorsed the communiqué included David Mark of the African Democratic Congress, Tanimu Turaki of the Peoples Democratic Party, and representatives from several smaller political parties such as the Peoples Redemption Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and Action Peoples Party.
However, developments since the meeting suggest that consensus may be far from reach.
Opposition Submits Candidates List
Following the May 30 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political parties to conclude their primaries, most opposition parties have already selected and submitted their presidential candidates, effectively complicating any effort to rally behind a single flagbearer.
Notably, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi have emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress, while Seyi Makinde secured the presidential ticket of the Allied People’s Movement.
Similarly, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso were announced as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition.
Other summit participants have also clinched tickets across various opposition platforms.
The emergence of multiple candidates has fueled speculation that the earlier plan for a unified ticket may be losing momentum.
Despite the apparent fragmentation, some factions within the opposition insist that the idea of a consensus candidate remains alive.
PDP Faction Says Negotiations Ongoing
The Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party maintains that negotiations are ongoing and that the proposal is still under consideration.
Speaking in an interview, the faction’s National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, said the opposition remained committed to exploring all viable strategies to defeat the incumbent.
“The ultimate objective is to defeat the incumbent, and every strategy that can help achieve that objective remains under consideration,” he said, adding that discussions with other parties were continuing.
Ememobong stressed that no single opposition party could win the election alone, describing collaboration as essential to improving electoral prospects.
However, a rival faction within the PDP aligned with former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike has outrightly rejected any alliance arrangement.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Jungudo Mohammed, dismissed reports of coalition talks, emphasizing the party’s readiness to compete without external partnerships.
“We are not in alliance with any political party. We have our own presidential candidate, governorship candidates, and others,” he said.
This internal division within the PDP, traditionally Nigeria’s main opposition party, has further complicated efforts to build a cohesive opposition bloc.
Meanwhile, the camp of Atiku Abubakar has also downplayed the likelihood of a single candidate emerging, noting that most parties have already completed their internal nomination processes in line with their constitutions and the Electoral Act.
Atiku’s media aide, Phrank Shaibu, said while opposition leaders remain committed to collaboration, the reality is that each party has its own candidate heading into the election.
“The African Democratic Congress has already produced its presidential candidate,” he said. “Other opposition parties have equally done so in accordance with their respective constitutions and the Electoral Act.”
Political analysts say the current situation reflects the complex nature of coalition-building in Nigeria’s multi-party system, where competing interests, ambitions, and ideological differences often hinder unity.
They argue that while the idea of a single candidate could significantly improve the opposition’s chances, achieving consensus among diverse political actors remains a major challenge.
APC Dismisses Opposition Bid For Single Candidate
APC officials argue that internal divisions within opposition parties weaken their credibility and ability to present a viable alternative to voters.
Observers note that the coming months will be critical in determining whether opposition parties can overcome their differences and present a united front or proceed into the election fragmented, as has often been the case in Nigeria’s political history.
For many Nigerians, the unfolding developments signal a familiar pattern of pre-election maneuvering, where initial promises of unity give way to political realities.
