As Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, opposition leaders, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, reject rumors of a merger. They emphasize the need for unity to challenge the ruling APC. However, the Labour Party insists no automatic ticket for Obi, asserting all positions are open for contest.
As the 2027 Nigerian general elections approach, opposition political figures are increasingly calling for unity to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Key members of the opposition, including Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, New Nigerian Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have dismissed rumors of a merger, asserting that no such agreement has been reached.
Kwankwaso recently denied reports suggesting a deal between himself, Atiku, and Obi for a power-sharing arrangement, with each taking turns as president. He emphasized that any decision regarding candidates should be left to the people and their preferences, especially following the controversial 2023 election. Obi also echoed these sentiments, denying merger talks and calling for collective action from opposition parties to oust the APC in 2027.
However, some political analysts argue that a united opposition front is the only way to unseat the ruling party. PDP chieftain Mathias Adache argued that the failure of opposition parties to unite in the 2023 election led to Tinubu’s victory. He pointed out that the combined votes of the opposition parties in 2023 exceeded those of the APC, but the split vote allowed Tinubu to emerge victorious.
Meanwhile, LP firmly stated that Obi will not be granted automatic ticket for the 2027 race. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, insisted that all party positions, including the presidency, are up for contest. This remark comes as tensions rise over the potential for a unified opposition alliance in the lead-up to the next election.
