Emerging political developments have continued to cast doubt on the ability of opposition parties to present a formidable challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

Most major opposition parties, such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), are entangled in deep-seated internal crises and protracted legal battles that threaten their cohesion, credibility, and electoral readiness.

Even the coalition forces that once boasted of unseating President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC now appear uncertain, struggling to agree on a viable political platform.

The earlier excitement surrounding the Social Democratic Party (SDP), which former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai once hinted could serve as a launchpad for the opposition, is steadily fading, replaced by confusion and a lack of coordination.

The four major opposition parties are currently grappling with internal crises and legal battles, a development that has triggered a wave of defections to the ruling APC. In some cases, elected officials have chosen to remain within their parties but have openly pledged support for President Tinubu?s re-election bid in 2027, further weakening the opposition?s unity and resolve.

For instance, the PDP, once the dominant force in the country?s political landscape, is struggling to recover from a chain of internal crises and debilitating legal battles. Haunted by factionalism, leadership disputes, and a weakened national cohesion, the party?s hopes of mounting a serious comeback against the APC are increasingly doubtful.

The PDP has remained in a prolonged political limbo since its defeat in the 2023 presidential election, where its candidate, Atiku Abubakar, came second to President Bola Tinubu of the APC.

Although Atiku challenged the outcome up to the Supreme Court, the legal loss only deepened internal disillusionment. Beyond the presidential defeat lies a more complex issue: the PDP has failed to resolve the longstanding problems of zoning, succession, and internal democracy ? all of which continue to haunt the party.

At the core of the party?s woes is the unresolved fallout from the contentious 2022 presidential primary, which saw Atiku emerge as flagbearer, sidelining the South-East and South-South blocs that had argued it was their turn to produce the candidate. That decision fractured the party ahead of the 2023 polls. It triggered the G-5 rebellion ? a group of five influential PDP governors led by Rivers State?s Nyesom Wike, who refused to back Atiku and eventually aligned with Tinubu, even if unofficially.

Now serving as Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under the APC-led federal government, Wike remains a divisive figure within the PDP. His continued membership in the party while simultaneously working with the Tinubu administration has been a source of legal and moral contention.

The lingering controversy over the position of the PDP?s national secretary is fast becoming a political landmine for the party as it prepares for the 2027 general elections. The tussle, currently playing out between factions in the South-East, has not only deepened regional distrust within the party but also exposed the PDP?s inability to enforce internal decisions.

With conflicting court orders and rival claimants laying hold of the office ? one backed by the National Working Committee and another by influential state stakeholders ? the impasse is stalling key strategic decisions and threatening the unity of the party?s base in the region.

Unless urgently resolved, the row risks alienating a critical voting bloc and weakening the PDP?s chances of presenting a cohesive national front against the ruling APC.

For instance, the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Umo Eno, is considering exiting the PDP over what insiders describe as the party?s continued disregard for equity and internal consensus. This comes on the heels of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori?s defection to the APC.

Both governors are reportedly frustrated by the PDP?s handling of the National Secretary debacle, which has pitted key South-South and South-East blocs against each other.

Governor Eno has expressed that one of his key reasons for considering leaving the PDP is the party?s failure to resolve the issue surrounding the National Secretary, as it may ultimately affect his re-election bid due to uncertainties over who would sign his nomination form.

The governor stated that it would be better to move to a stable platform rather than remain in a party where internal crises could jeopardise his political future.

Labour Party factions clash over Peter Obi?s role in 2027 coalition efforts

The Labour Party?s internal crisis has deepened as rival factions issued conflicting statements regarding former presidential candidate Peter Obi?s involvement in coalition efforts to unseat the All Progressives Congress in the 2027 elections.

The faction led by Senator Nenadi Usman, Chairperson of the Labour Party?s National Caretaker Committee, has endorsed Obi?s coalition engagements. Meanwhile, the camp led by sacked former chairman Julius Abure has criticised the move, declaring that the party is not part of any alliance and will not tolerate ?unauthorised political adventures.?

Ken Eluma Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser on Media to Usman, stated yesterday that the party leadership fully supports Obi?s participation in the coalition. He described the alliance as ?a patriotic convergence of well-meaning Nigerians committed to dismantling the rudderless Tinubu administration.?

Asogwa added that Obi?s focus on addressing hunger, insecurity, and bad governance aligns with the Labour Party?s core values. ?The National Caretaker Committee expressly approved and endorsed Peter Obi?s participation,? he said, calling any opposition from ?discredited former party officials? both baseless and anti-national.

However, a counterstatement from the Abure-led faction, signed by Labour Party National Publicity Secretary Obiora Ifoh, strongly opposed Obi?s actions. According to Ifoh, Obi?s continued coalition efforts represent ?a direct affront to the party?s internal processes? and were undertaken without consultation or approval from the party?s national leadership.

?The leadership of the Labour Party has observed with growing concern the recent political moves by Mr. Peter Obi,? Ifoh said. ?His actions operate completely outside the purview of the party and constitute a glaring show of disrespect.?

The Abure faction further warned that the 2027 presidential ticket is not guaranteed for any aspirant, including Obi, stating that ?there will be no automatic endorsements.? The faction emphasised that the Labour Party is not part of any merger discussions and vowed to resist attempts to turn the party into ?a backup plan or a vehicle for political convenience.?

The Usman-led faction dismissed these claims as ?comical,? accusing Abure of clinging to a ?self-convened and unlawful 2024 convention,? which it said was nullified by the Supreme Court. ?It is baffling that individuals who have been shown the exit door for their anti-party activities now seek to question a move so clearly rooted in national interest,? Asogwa remarked.

SDP faction condemns coalition against Tinubu, urges focus on transformation

A faction of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) led by Wole Adesina has raised concerns over what it described as two alarming trends that threaten the party?s integrity and unity.

In a statement yesterday, the faction?s National Publicity Secretary, Alfa Mohammed, criticised the influx of aggrieved politicians into a coalition purportedly aimed at unseating President Bola Tinubu without presenting a concrete alternative vision for Nigeria?s progress.

?The influx of some aggrieved politicians in a desperate coalition to ?send President Bola Ahmed Tinubu back to Lagos? without showcasing any clear-cut alternative agenda for Nigeria?s transformation is disturbing,? Mohammed said. He emphasised that the SDP would not align with any coalition that lacks a credible plan for Nigeria?s development. ?The party is not for sale or lease to any group and will not be part of any anti-government plots or coalition that lacks a clear alternative agenda for Nigeria?s transformation,? he added.

While distancing itself from efforts to undermine the mandate secured in the 2023 general elections, the faction reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with the federal government. It pledged to hold the administration accountable without resorting to subversive tactics.

The faction further urged SDP leaders nationwide to reject attempts to usurp their positions and report such incidents to the appropriate authorities.

It called on party members and supporters to remain calm and assured them that efforts to secure full recognition from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) are ongoing.

Opposition coalition lacks strategy, unity to challenge Tinubu, says Sam Amadi

As preparations for the 2027 presidential election intensify, the former Chairman of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Sam Amadi, has warned opposition leaders to exercise caution in their efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as a master of ?dark politics.?

Amadi, who also serves as the Director of the Abuja School of Social and Political Thoughts, criticised the coalition led by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party?s Peter Obi, calling it weak in strategy and organisation.

Speaking yesterday on Arise Television?s Morning Show, Amadi accused the opposition of focusing on elite politics at the expense of meaningful reforms, contrasting their approach with the intentionality exhibited by the All Progressives Congress before its victory in the 2015 general elections.

?They?re not really working harder,? Amadi remarked. He highlighted the coalition?s internal challenges, stating: ?In 2015, you had a situation where politicians perhaps understood who should go first. It was clear that Buhari had the votes of at least a significant constituency. He always had more than nine million votes in each election he lost?bankable votes. And the leaders were perhaps clear in their minds that this is where to go.

?Here, I think there?s a problem of people perhaps exaggerating their importance, their right to govern. And so, the ego crisis Is going to be a problem.?

Amadi also noted differences in political intensity, suggesting that Tinubu?s approach is far more calculated. ?Jonathan wasn?t that intense and didn?t play the type of politics that Tinubu, a master of dark politics, does,? he said.

?Now, you have a government that understands the dark arts of politics and is perhaps proficient and unrestrained in using them. They?ve learned from their successes and from the PDP?s failures.? He further warned of potential betrayals and infiltrations within the opposition ranks. ?It?s likely that there will be more intrusions into the opposition camp, more betrayals. They?re going to plant people,? he predicted.

Amadi criticised the lack of a clear leader or unifying ideology within the coalition. ?The level of seriousness the APC had as an opposition?their capacity to engage civil society, infiltrate and manipulate various sectors, and even work the media?is absent now,? he observed.

?Everyone seems more focused on personal opportunities, whether it?s for now or 2031. So, from a strategic and operational standpoint, the coalition is weak on both fronts. It?s far more diverse, diverse in expectations and interests. And crucially, it lacks a unifying ideology. What does it stand for?? Amadi concluded.

Northern coalition urges electorate to resist impunity, promises united front for 2027 polls

A section of the coalition of politicians opposed to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has called on the electorate to assert their authority in determining leadership at all levels of government in the 2027 general elections.

The chairman of the National Political Consultative Group (NPCG) (North), Babachir Lawal, made this statement following the group?s second expanded meeting held in Abuja.

Lawal decried what he described as ?the impunity of elected leaders who run away with the people?s mandate by purporting to make decisions for their constituents without consultation.?

In an apparent reference to the endorsement of President Tinubu for a second term by the Hope Uzodimma-led Progressives Governors Forum (PGF) and some members of the National Assembly, the coalition accused them of bypassing the electorate.

The group alleged that these leaders were endorsing themselves and others for re-election without seeking the input of their constituents, thereby usurping the power of the people.

The coalition urged the electorate to sanction such leaders at the polls, warning that doing so would serve as a deterrent to others who might adopt similar practices in the future.

The delegates at the meeting expressed deep concern over worsening insecurity in the Northern region, which they noted has led to increased poverty, loss of lives and property, unemployment, and widespread destitution. They observed that fear, emotions, and knowledge are key drivers of society and resolved that the North must prioritise knowledge over fear and emotions in political decision-making.

The group further resolved that the North must present a united front in future political choices to ensure the region maximizes its participation and benefits in national politics.

Promising to unveil a political platform to advance the region?s interests, the coalition emphasised the need for selfless leadership within political parties and in public governance. They called for leaders who prioritise the well-being of the region and the nation as a whole.

Atiku?s ambition threatens opposition coalition for 2027, says legal expert

A legal practitioner, Ige Asemudara, has expressed doubts over the opposition?s ability to mount a credible challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the APC in 2027, citing former Vice President Atiku Abubakar as a potential stumbling block.

According to him, Atiku?s involvement in the ongoing coalition efforts could derail progress. ?Atiku has never shown a willingness to sacrifice for democracy beyond his personal ambition to become president. Any coalition he is part of cannot succeed. He is too selfish,? Asemudara said.

He described the crisis In the PDP as self-inflicted and rooted in selfish interests, while attributing the internal turmoil in the Labour Party to external forces determined to neutralise the party ahead of the next general elections.

According to him, ?Atiku is a perpetual defector, and the fact that the former governor of Delta State, Ifeanyi Okowa, a former presidential running mate of the PDP, could also defect is shameful.

?The only real hope lies in building a viable coalition, but Atiku remains a major setback,? he added. Asemudara also criticised opposition figures for blaming Tinubu. ?Tinubu fought hard for power; no one should expect him to hand it over easily. 2027 will depend on how quickly the opposition can fix themselves and whether coalition members are truly committed to making it work,? he said. (The Guardian)

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