Nigeria’s opposition parties are facing increasing doubts about their ability to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress in the 2027 general election due to persistent internal divisions, defections, and leadership crises.
Despite economic and security challenges confronting the administration of Bola Ahmed Tinubu, opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and African Democratic Congress have struggled to present a united front.
Political observers say the fragmented nature of the opposition could make the election easier for the ruling party if the divisions persist. The outcome of recent Federal Capital Territory area council elections highlighted this problem, as opposition parties failed to coordinate effectively, allowing the APC to maintain its political advantage.
Within the PDP, once Nigeria’s dominant political party, internal wrangling has weakened its influence. The party is currently divided into factions led by Abdulrahman Mohammed and Kabiru Turaki, with key figures such as Nyesom Wike, Seyi Makinde, and Bala Mohammed backing opposing sides.
The crisis has been worsened by a wave of defections. Since the 2023 elections, several governors—including Sheriff Oborevwori, Umo Eno, Peter Mbah, Douye Diri, and Siminalayi Fubara—have left the party for the APC, leaving the PDP with only two governors as of March 2026.
Analysts warn that unless opposition parties resolve their internal crises and form a stronger coalition, they may struggle to mount a credible challenge against the ruling APC in the 2027 presidential election.
