2027 Political Maneuvering: Opposition Unites, APC Shrugs
By: Abudu Olalekan
So, the big opposition pow-wow happened in Ibadan over the weekend. The plan? To team up and pick one person to take on the ruling APC in 2027. A bold move. But the APC? They’re not losing sleep over it.
Here’s the thing. A whole squad of political heavyweights showed up—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi. You name a big opposition name, they were probably there. They hashed it all out, called it the “Ibadan Declaration,” and agreed to field a single presidential candidate. Their goal is to “rescue the nation.” They’re worried about the APC trying to turn Nigeria into a one-party state.
Governor Seyi Makinde, who hosted the event, laid out a stark warning. He said democracy dies without a real opposition. No real choices for the people. He even brought up the old, violent ‘Operation Wetie’ crises, telling those in power to remember history. Pretty serious stuff.
Not everyone’s on board with this unity plan, though. The APC’s National Secretary, Ajibola Basiru, basically called it a fantasy. He laughed it off. “All of them want to be president,” he said. “Who gets the ticket?” His point? Too many chiefs, not enough… well, agreement. He thinks their big ambitions will sink the whole coalition before it sails.
The opposition also had sharp words for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). They flat-out said they don’t trust the INEC Chairman, Prof. Ojo Amupitan, to run a fair election in 2027. They want the Electoral Act reviewed and more time for party primaries.
On the flip side, Basiru said the APC is just focused on its own business—growing the party and holding proper primaries. He accused the opposition of lying about Nigeria becoming a one-party state and told them to fix their own internal mess instead.
And about Makinde’s ‘Wetie’ comment? The APC called it “irresponsible.” Basiru said it’s a sign of the governor’s frustration and a careless threat.
So the battle lines for 2027 are getting drawn. One side is scrambling to build a single front. The other is watching, betting it will all fall apart from the inside. It’s early days, but the political theater is already heating up.
