Opposition Crises Boost APC’s 2027 Prospects

As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 general elections, deepening internal crises within major opposition parties are raising concerns that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) may gain an early advantage ahead of the polls.

Citizen FM observes that with about 12 months to the elections, opposition parties remain entangled in leadership disputes, unresolved court cases and weak coordination, slowing preparations.

In contrast, the APC last week became the first party to make public its 2027 election timetable, scheduling its national convention for March 25–28, 2026, a move party insiders say is aimed at consolidating unity and early mobilisation.

The Labour Party (LP) is still grappling with leadership crisis despite the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) recognising Senator Esther Nenadi-Usman as acting national chairman based on a court order.

Loyalists of the Julius Abure faction insist the matter is not settled and warn the recognition could be reversed by a superior court ruling, further weakening party mobilisation.

Also, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faces even deeper paralysis, with multiple leadership disputes pending at the Court of Appeal as Rival factions continue to claim key offices, while stalled congresses and defections have reduced the party’s national strength, leaving it with only four governors.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC), platform for an emerging opposition coalition, is also battling internal rivalry, particularly between supporters of Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, raising doubts about its readiness for 2027.

Political analysts say the opposition’s troubles have been compounded by steady defections to the APC, driven by uncertainty over primaries, resources and internal cohesion.

The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has warned that without unity, the opposition risks losing the 2027 elections.

Meanwhile, INEC has urged patience, distancing itself from unofficial election timelines and reiterating that it will release the official 2027 schedule strictly in line with the Electoral Act.