By ALO360 editorial board
Twenty-four hours, as they say, is a long time in politics. The pendulum can swing quickly. As the 2027 general election draws closer, political gladiators are regrouping. They are forming alliances to advance and consolidate their interests.
The opposition — PDP, LP, NNPP, and ADC — is in disarray. Yet, a path still exists if they truly want to offer Nigerians a credible alternative.
The PDP, once confident of ruling Nigeria for 50 years, has weakened. Internal wrangling has torn the party apart. Many governors have defected to the APC, leaving only Oyo’s Seyi Makinde and Bauchi’s Bala Mohammed. Without exaggeration, the party now looks decimated.
The crisis has deepened. Two factions — one loyal to Makinde and the other to FCT minister Nyesom Wike — continue to battle for control. At this rate, the PDP may struggle to field a viable presidential candidate in 2027.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi’s exit from the LP has further weakened the opposition. The party now appears unviable for any serious contest. This leaves the ADC as the only platform with a realistic chance to challenge the APC.
However, the ADC faces its own problems. Many of its members appear more interested in securing the party’s ticket than building a united front. The party must shift focus. It must rally around a credible candidate with real electoral strength.
CHALLENGING APC
The 2027 election will likely be a contest between the APC and a fragmented opposition. To compete, any opposition party must present a candidate with organic support. That candidate must also withstand the APC’s incumbency advantage.
Make no mistake — no party currently matches the APC’s structure, influence, and financial strength. Yet, the ruling party has underperformed in key areas of governance.
From security to the economy, education, and healthcare, the results remain weak. While some macroeconomic indicators may show improvement, they do not reflect everyday realities. What matters to Nigerians is simple — food on the table.
By that measure, the APC has failed. It has deepened hardship. This reality is difficult to dispute.
The ADC must act decisively. It needs a candidate with a strong, organic base. That base must mobilise without relying on inducement.
Peter Obi fits that profile. In 2023, he transformed the LP from obscurity to national relevance. His message of accountability resonated, especially with young and urban voters. That momentum remains valuable.
OBI’S VISIT TO KANO IS SIGNIFICANT
Obi’s recent visit to Kano during Eid al-Fitr may signal a new political alignment. He visited the residence of Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, leader of the NNPP. At the gathering, supporters chanted “Obi-Kwankwaso”.
That chant may reflect a potential joint ticket capable of challenging Tinubu.
Reports suggest that former President Olusegun Obasanjo is facilitating talks between both camps. Kwankwaso has also hinted at accepting a vice-presidential slot under the ADC.
However, complications remain. If Atiku Abubakar secures the ADC ticket, Kwankwaso may find it difficult to accept a subordinate role under another northerner.
Despite this, the Obi-Kwankwaso combination holds promise. Obi commands strong support in the south. Kwankwaso controls a loyal base in the north through the Kwankwasiyya movement. Together, they could reshape the opposition landscape.
Atiku also has a role to play. However, that role may require sacrifice. He may need to act as a kingmaker rather than a contender.
While he has every right to contest, leadership sometimes demands restraint. History may call on him to step aside for a broader coalition.
Furthermore, the ADC should consider aligning with the PDP faction loyal to Makinde. Such a merger could strengthen its structure and resources.
The opportunity is clear. The responsibility now lies with the opposition. Their decisions will determine whether Nigerians get a real alternative in 2027.
Time is running out. The ADC must act quickly. A stitch in time, indeed, saves nine.
