Opposition Splits Over Single Candidate To Challenge Tinubu

The opposition’s plan to unite behind a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election may be losing momentum, with key opposition factions and parties adopting different positions on the proposed arrangement.

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.

Also, the camp of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar affirmed that opposition parties have already produced their candidates but remain committed to working together.

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

On April 25, opposition political leaders gathered at a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they resolved to work together ahead of the 2027 general election and explore the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu.

Among the party leaders said to have signed the communique were former Senate President David Mark of the African Democratic Congress, Tanimu Turaki (SAN) of the PDP, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed of the Peoples Redemption Party, Ajuji Ahmed of the New Nigeria Peoples Party, Cleopas Moses of the Nigeria Democratic Coalition, Uche Nnadi of the Action Peoples Party and Mgbudem Maxwell of Accord.

Others were Yusuf Dantalle of the Allied People’s Movement, Adekunle Omoaje of the Action Alliance, Samuel Memeh, Abdulrahman Abubakar of the Young Progressives Party, Yabagi Sani of the Action Democratic Party and Dan Nwanyanwu of the Zenith Labour Party.

The summit was attended by prominent opposition figures, including Atiku, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, former Cross River State Governor Liyel Imoke and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal.

However, about three months after the Ibadan summit, several of the leaders who attended the meeting have emerged as presidential or vice-presidential candidates of different opposition parties.

Atiku and Amaechi have emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the ADC, respectively, while Makinde emerged as the presidential candidate of the APM.

Similarly, Obi and Kwankwaso emerged as the presidential and vice-presidential candidates of the NDC, respectively, while other participants at the summit have also secured presidential or vice-presidential tickets on various opposition platforms.

Following the May 30 deadline set by the Independent National Electoral Commission for political parties to conduct their primaries and elect candidates, the parties have since concluded the exercise and uploaded the names of their candidates on the INEC portal.

Speaking on the development, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee of the PDP, Ini Ememobong, disclosed in an exclusive interview with our correspondent that the opposition’s proposal to present a single presidential candidate against Tinubu remained a viable strategy and possibility.

He said the proposal was still on the table, stressing that no single opposition party could win the election alone.

Ememobong stated, “The simple answer is that the end justifies the means. The ultimate objective is to defeat the incumbent, and every strategy that can help achieve that objective remains under consideration.

“The principle was adopted as part of the broader strategy to bring opposition forces together and provide a stronger platform capable of challenging the ruling party.

“Therefore, the issue is still under review, and discussions are ongoing. It remains a possibility that the final decision will be determined by what best serves the collective interest and increases the chances of achieving the desired outcome.

“The PDP is engaging in conversations with other opposition political parties and stakeholders as part of efforts to explore the possibility of working together.

“The reality is that the opposition understands the importance of unity and collaboration. No single opposition party can afford to operate in isolation if the goal is to present a formidable challenge to the incumbent.

“All opposition political parties are therefore disposed to discussions and negotiations that could lead to greater cooperation.

“Ultimately, what matters is finding a workable strategy that can unite the opposition, strengthen its chances and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative in the next election. So, the end justifies the means.”

The Wike-backed faction of the PDP, however, dismissed reports of an alliance with any political party ahead of the general election, insisting that the party was preparing to contest the polls with its own presidential, governorship and other candidates.

The National Publicity Secretary of the Abdulrahman Mohammed-led NWC, Jungudo Mohammed, in an exclusive interview with our correspondent, said the PDP remained focused on winning elections, not an alliance.

He stated, “We have said this time and again that the PDP, the one and only authentic Peoples Democratic Party, is not in alliance with any political party.

“We are not fielding any candidate with anybody. We have our own presidential candidate, governorship candidates, and other candidates. So, we are not in any alliance with anybody.