By Henry Umoru, ABUJA

Ahead of the 2027 presidential and general elections, opposition parties have expressed their determination to forge a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress even leaders and stakeholders of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) have met in Abuja as part of ongoing political realignment. The Social Democratic Party, SDP, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party, NNPP, particularly expressed confidence in their ability to field formidable presidential candidates despite internal crises and leadership disputes.

This is coming amid growing political uncertainty affecting some parties, especially the African Democratic Congress, ADC, and the SDP, where leadership tussles over the composition of their National Working Committees, NWC, remain unresolved.

The development has raised concerns over whether these parties — aside from the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and the newly registered Nigerian Democratic Congress, NDC — will be fully prepared to participate effectively in the 2027 elections. However, opposition parties insist they are making strategic moves to present credible alternatives and possibly form a united front against President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

NNPP: We’ll present credible candidate

Despite the exit of its 2023 presidential candidate, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, the NNPP says it remains strong and will field candidates in 2027. National Secretary of the party, Dipo Olayoku, said:

“NNPP will present a formidable candidate in 2027. Although Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso has left the party, we believe the NNPP has attained a level of prominence that will continue to attract credible candidates for all elections. Based on our manifesto, we remain committed to offering Nigerians real hope for a better future.”

SDP: Strategic moves underway

On its part, the SDP said it was intensifying consultations and internal screening processes to ensure it produces a strong presidential candidate. National Publicity Secretary, Araba Rufus Aiyenigba, described the party as a growing political force with national appeal. “The SDP is currently the go-to party in Nigeria, considering its reach, influence, and the quality of its leadership at national and sub-national levels”, he said noting that the party has, in recent months, engaged key political stakeholders and groups, including Team New Nigeria (TNN), as part of efforts to strengthen its base.

The SDP also claimed it is gaining endorsements from key northern socio-cultural groups, including the Arewa Consultative Forum, ACF, Northern Elders Forum, and the Movement for Good Governance. According to Aiyenigba: “With growing dissatisfaction in parts of the North, the SDP is well positioned to harness this momentum.” He further argued that rising insecurity, poverty, and economic hardship could shape voter decisions in 2027.

“The APC risks rejection by the electorate over what many Nigerians consider underwhelming performance. The SDP remains the only credible alternative, given its growing national appeal and cross-regional support”, he added

PRP, ADC leaders meet in Abuja

Meanwhile, leaders and stakeholders of the PRP and the ADC have met in Abuja as part of ongoing political realignment. The strategic meeting which was held yesterday was attended by prominent officials from both parties.

In his remarks,  the PRP National Chairman, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed expressed strong solidarity with the ADC with regard to its ongoing dispute with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other government institutions. 

The party  condemned ithe assaults and anti-democratic actions being directed at the ADC by certain forces, emphasizing that such conduct undermines our democracy and jeopardizes the nation’s stability.

In response, the ADC National Chairman, Senator David Mark appreciated the unwavering support from the PRP, acknowledging that PRP is the only political party publicly standing with them during this challenging period. 

Mark also expressed hope that the positive relationship between the two parties will remain harmonious, prioritizing the collective interests of the nation.

Also present at the meeting were Malam Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC National Publicity Secretary; Comrade Muhammed Ishaq, PRP National Publicity Secretary; Malam Salihu Lukman, alongside other party officials.

Vanguard News