2027: Opposition Coalition Too Late to Stop APC — Senator Plang

Senator Diket Plang has expressed confidence in the All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections, arguing that divisions within opposition parties could undermine their efforts to challenge the ruling party.

Plang, who represents Plateau Central Senatorial District and chairs the Senate Committee on Labour, Employment and Productivity, has described opposition parties as fragmented political organisations struggling with internal cohesion.

In an earlier interview with Tribune Online, the senator said the crises within opposition parties were largely their responsibility, rather than the result of deliberate actions by the APC.

“If the PDP is moving to the ADC, then clearly, the PDP is weakened,” he said, arguing that divisions among political opponents naturally benefit the ruling party.

Plang maintained that political parties operate in a competitive environment in which each seeks to attract voters. He rejected allegations that the APC was deliberately engineering crises within opposition parties to strengthen its position ahead of the next election.

According to him, opposition leaders should address their internal disagreements instead of blaming the ruling party for their political difficulties.

The senator also dismissed suggestions that the APC would face a political wave capable of sweeping it from power in 2027, insisting that the party remained better organised than its rivals.

“As of today, the APC remains the only political party without a serious internal crisis,” he said, while acknowledging that challenges could emerge as the election approached.

His remarks come amid ongoing efforts by opposition figures to coordinate their activities and explore the possibility of presenting a common candidate against President Bola Tinubu.

The coalition discussions have involved prominent politicians, including former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and other opposition leaders. However, disagreements over leadership, presidential ambition and the selection of a consensus candidate have complicated the negotiations.

The ruling APC, meanwhile, has continued preparations for the election, including building campaign structures and consolidating support among political allies.

Opposition leaders have argued that cooperation is necessary to prevent their supporters from splitting their votes among competing candidates, while critics of the coalition say its members have yet to resolve fundamental differences.

Plang’s position reflects the APC’s confidence that the opposition’s organisational challenges could work to its advantage. However, the eventual outcome of the 2027 election will depend on candidates, party organisation, voter preferences and other political developments.