Fresh divisions have emerged within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with disagreements over plans to present a single consensus candidate following the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso to the Nigeria Democratic Congress.
Associates of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said Monday that efforts by a broad opposition coalition to unite behind a consensus candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 remain intact despite recent political shifts.
They dismissed concerns that the exit of Obi and Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress would weaken the opposition, insisting the coalition plan is still viable.
Atiku, who left the Peoples Democratic Party in 2025, had joined the ADC as part of efforts to unite opposition forces. Obi and Kwankwaso, presidential candidates of the Labour Party and the New Nigeria People’s Party in 2023, later joined him in 2026 but have since exited the party.
An ally of Atiku, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said discussions about a single-term presidency were premature and secondary to strengthening the party.
Another associate rejected the idea of a single-term arrangement, describing it as a distraction and emphasizing the need to build a strong party structure first.
“The party has to grow first and become formidable,” the source said, adding that the coalition effort to unseat Tinubu remains on track.
However, several opposition figures and parties have distanced themselves from the proposal, highlighting widening divisions.
National leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, said it was too early to discuss a single presidential candidate.
Similarly, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, said opposition parties remain open to alliances but are primarily focused on unseating the current administration.
The Accord Party also denied involvement in any coalition plan for a single candidate, distancing itself from a recent summit in Ibadan where such discussions reportedly took place.
A faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe also rejected the consensus candidate idea, insisting the party would field its own candidates.
The Labour Party dismissed talk of a joint ticket, with its spokesman, Ken Asogwa, saying the party is focused on its upcoming convention.
Abia State Gov. Alex Otti said his party was not part of any such arrangement.
Despite the divisions, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso continue to push for a unified opposition ticket from the South, intensifying debates over zoning and coalition strategy.
National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement Worldwide, Yunusa Tanko, said equity demands the presidency remain in the South, noting that the current presidency is already zoned there.
He added that Obi would likely emerge as a consensus candidate if adopted, citing his popularity, particularly among young voters.
Similarly, National Publicity Secretary of the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement, Justin Ijeh, described zoning as a practical approach to maintaining balance in Nigeria’s political system.
The latest developments follow the formal defection of Obi and Kwankwaso to the NDC in Abuja, where both leaders urged supporters to avoid internal disputes and focus on national development.
Obi said their move was driven by the search for a stable political platform free from internal crises, while criticizing the current administration.
Their departure from the ADC has reshaped opposition dynamics, triggering renewed debate over coalition strategy, zoning and the feasibility of presenting a single candidate against Tinubu in 2027.
