Plang Says Opposition Coalition Came Too Late to Challenge APC in 2027

Senator Diket Plang, representing Plateau Central Senatorial District, has dismissed the emerging opposition coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections, insisting that it poses no significant threat to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Plang made the remarks during an interactive session with journalists in Jos, Plateau State, where he argued that opposition parties had delayed their efforts to form a united political front until after candidates had emerged from their respective party primaries.

He maintained that the APC had already consolidated its political structures, expanded its nationwide reach and strengthened alliances ahead of the next electoral cycle.

According to the senator, developments within the ruling party, including the composition of its presidential campaign machinery and what he described as growing acceptance of Tinubu across political divides, demonstrated the APC’s preparedness for the elections.

Plang said the opposition coalition had come too late to achieve its intended objectives, arguing that a more effective alliance should have been established before political parties selected their candidates.

He described the emerging arrangement as a merger of convenience rather than a comprehensive coalition built around a common political strategy.

The lawmaker expressed confidence that the APC would win a majority of elective positions in 2027, including the presidential, governorship, National Assembly and state assembly elections.

He also backed Tinubu’s re-election bid and expressed optimism about the political prospects of Vice-President Kashim Shettima and other senior APC leaders.

On concerns about whether Tinubu should personally campaign across the country, Plang argued that effective political mobilisation did not require a presidential candidate to visit every state, local government area, ward or polling unit.

He explained that political parties relied on organised campaign structures to communicate their manifestos and programmes to voters through representatives at different administrative levels.

Plang maintained that the effectiveness of a campaign depended on the ability of its structures to reach voters, explain the candidate’s policies and mobilise support across communities.

He said the APC’s established network would help communicate its message nationwide ahead of the elections.

The senator’s comments come amid efforts by opposition politicians to build a coalition capable of challenging the ruling party in 2027. The proposed alliance has generated debate over candidate selection, political strategy and the extent to which opposition parties can coordinate their activities.

However, Plang maintained that the APC had already made significant preparations and expressed confidence that the party would retain the presidency and secure substantial representation across elective offices.