Anietie Udobit, Abuja
Nigeria’s political atmosphere is rapidly heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections, with fresh alliances, defections, and internal party crises redefining the opposition landscape.
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Within the Peoples Democratic Party, a powerful faction led by Kabiru Turaki is pushing to formally ratify former President Goodluck Jonathan as the party’s presidential flagbearer.
Supporters of the move argue that Jonathan possesses national acceptability and constitutional advantage because he would be eligible for only a single term if elected.
However, the PDP remains deeply fractured.
A rival bloc reportedly aligned with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has rejected the Jonathan proposal and instead backed former Senator Sandy Onor as a consensus candidate.
The crisis highlights widening divisions within one of Nigeria’s oldest political parties.
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress has also become a battleground.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar officially secured the ADC presidential ticket, but the primaries ended amid allegations of exclusion, manipulation, and irregularities.
Former Rivers Governor Rotimi Amaechi and businessman Mahama Hayatu-Deen rejected the outcome, escalating tensions within the opposition coalition.
In a symbolic reconciliation effort, Atiku later visited Amaechi in Abuja to reduce hostilities and prevent further fragmentation.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress has equally emerged as a growing political force.
Peter Obi is now widely seen as the party’s strongest presidential prospect after publicly committing to a single-term presidency aimed at preserving Nigeria’s traditional North-South rotational arrangement.
Obi’s promise has generated mixed reactions. Supporters see it as a sacrifice for national unity. Critics argue it may weaken long-term governance stability. The NDC has also recorded major defections from the ruling APC.
Former Deputy Senate President Ovie Omo-Agege and Delta political heavyweight Victor Ochei have reportedly joined the party to pursue Senate ambitions.
Political analysts say these movements reveal growing dissatisfaction within the APC ahead of high-stakes primaries.
Across Kano, Rabiu Kwankwaso has intensified northern political calculations after unveiling Aminu Gwarzo as the NDC’s consensus governorship candidate.
The move introduces a fresh layer of competition into Kano’s historically volatile political terrain dominated by the APC and NNPP.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State chapter of the ADC has descended into confusion after parallel governorship primaries produced rival candidates claiming legitimacy.
Observers say the crisis reflects the wider instability currently affecting several opposition structures nationwide.