Opposition Divided Over Single Candidate to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

The opposition’s plan to field a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election is facing fresh uncertainty as major opposition parties and factions adopt differing positions on the proposal.

While the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the option remains open, the Nyesom Wike-backed faction has rejected any alliance with other political parties.

Similarly, the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said although opposition parties have already produced their presidential candidates, they remain committed to cooperation ahead of the election.

The disagreement comes about three months after opposition leaders met at a summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, where they agreed to work together and explore the possibility of presenting a consensus presidential candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027.

The summit was attended by prominent political figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Liyel Imoke and Aminu Tambuwal, alongside representatives of several opposition parties.

Since then, however, many of the participants have emerged as presidential or vice-presidential candidates on different political platforms following the conclusion of party primaries.

Speaking on the issue, the National Publicity Secretary of the Turaki-led PDP faction, Ini Ememobong, said the proposal for a single opposition candidate remains under consideration because no opposition party can defeat the ruling All Progressives Congress alone.

He explained that discussions among opposition leaders were ongoing and that the final decision would depend on what best serves their collective objective of unseating the APC.

In contrast, the National Publicity Secretary of the Wike-backed PDP faction, Jungudo Mohammed, insisted the party would contest the election independently with its own presidential and other candidates.

He dismissed reports of any alliance, stressing that the PDP remained focused on rebuilding and preparing for the 2027 polls.

Meanwhile, Atiku’s spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, noted that while opposition parties had completed their primary elections and produced candidates in line with the Electoral Act, discussions on possible areas of collaboration would continue.

The ruling APC, however, dismissed the opposition’s proposed alliance, expressing confidence that President Tinubu’s re-election bid would not be threatened by any coalition arrangement.