Can the opposition unite to topple APC in 2027?
As Nigerians prepare for the 2027 general elections, the political landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with various factions and political leaders making strategic moves to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Opposition parties have faced significant challenges in recent years, but now, new initiatives are being put in place to achieve the goal of unseating the APC. One such initiative is the League of Northern Democrats (LND), led by former Kano State Governor Ibrahim Shekarau, which is working to form a powerful political alliance.
The LND is actively reaching out to prominent southern political figures, with backing from influential personalities such as former President Olusegun Obasanjo and former Head of State Yakubu Gowon. While the LND’s ultimate goal seems clear, it is focused on building a credible, unified political platform that transcends regional boundaries and aims to unite the country.
Last Saturday, Dr. Umar Ardo, the convener of the LND, reaffirmed the group’s commitment to evolving into a national political entity, which he hopes to rename the League of National Democrats. According to Ardo, the group seeks to champion meritocracy, accountability, and integrity in leadership.
The backing of figures like Obasanjo and Gowon gives the LND a significant advantage in its quest for national influence. Both leaders have advised the group to widen its reach and include southern politicians, emphasising that the group’s ideals should not be confined to the north. Obasanjo, in particular, has suggested that the LND be rebranded as the National League of Democrats, pointing out that Nigeria’s future should not be limited by regional identities.
The LND’s efforts come amid growing disillusionment with the current political order. Many Nigerians are now seeking alternatives to the APC, which has been in power since 2015. This discontent has spurred the push for new alliances aimed at challenging the ruling party.
The LND is not alone in its pursuit of change. Opposition leaders such as Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party have been in talks about forming a united front against the APC. Discussions about potential mergers between smaller parties like the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC) are also taking place, as these groups seek to consolidate their efforts ahead of the 2027 elections.
However, not everyone is convinced by the shifting political alliances. The APC remains confident in its ability to secure a second term, believing that President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms will yield tangible benefits for Nigerians by the time of the next election.
In response to the growing opposition efforts, the APC maintains that no coalition can succeed without its involvement and is closely monitoring the political manoeuvres of its rivals. The ruling party’s confidence suggests it believes its hold on power remains unchallenged.
Meanwhile, the PDP has remained cautious about the rise of new political formations such as the LND. Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, dismissed the group as a non-threat, questioning the credibility and electoral value of its key members, particularly Ibrahim Shekarau, who has switched allegiances several times in recent years. Osadolor’s comments have sparked broader scepticism about the ability of these new alliances to effectively challenge the established political forces in the country.
Nonetheless, the political atmosphere in Nigeria is likely to remain volatile, with new alliances, parties, and coalitions constantly reshaping the landscape. The success of these efforts, however, will depend on the ability of opposition groups to present a unified front and offer a clear, credible alternative to the APC.
Whether or not the LND and other emerging groups can effectively challenge the status quo remains uncertain, but their initiatives signal a strong desire for political change in the country.
Although the road to the 2027 general elections is fraught with uncertainty, the rise of new political alliances like the LND represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s political dynamics. The real challenge for these groups will be overcoming internal divisions, building trust among Nigerians, and presenting a credible, unified alternative to the ruling APC.
The coming years will test the viability of opposition coalitions, but the desire for change is undeniable. Only time will tell whether the LND and its allies can unseat the APC or become yet another footnote in Nigeria’s political history.