Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Peter Obi's media office have expressed concerns over alleged plots to weaken opposition parties before the 2027 general elections. They accuse the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of prioritizing political suppression, intimidation, and electoral manipulation over addressing Nigeria's economic and security challenges. This development comes amid growing political tension, allegations of attacks on opposition candidates, and internal disagreements among opposition groups.
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has challenged President Bola Tinubu to focus on fighting hunger rather than targeting the opposition. Atiku alleges that the administration has abandoned Nigerians to economic hardship and insecurity while focusing on weakening rival political parties. He noted that many Nigerians are dying from hardship, and several businesses have collapsed due to the administration's economic policies.
The PDP has accused some APC governors of creating a hostile political environment for opposition candidates, particularly those seeking governorship positions. The party threatened to petition the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Tunji Disu, and other security agencies over alleged intimidation and killings of candidates. The PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, raised the alarm in Abuja during a meeting between the party's National Working Committee (NWC) and state chairmen.
Peter Obi's media office has alleged that some governors are plotting to manipulate the 2027 elections, warning that Nigerians would resist any attempt to compromise the credibility of the electoral process. Atiku, meanwhile, has accused the Tinubu administration of abandoning citizens to hunger, poverty, and insecurity while directing its attention towards crushing opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Internal disagreements have emerged within the ADC presidential campaign council, particularly in its media directorate. Former Labour Party presidential candidate Dele Momodu was named Deputy General in charge of Media and Communications but was reportedly relegated to the background and excluded from key media activities. This has resulted in a lack of coordination, with conflicting statements and media briefings being circulated through different groups within the press corps.
The ADC campaign council's list was unveiled on September 24, with Momodu, Kola Ologbondiyan, and Phrank Shaibu appointed to key positions. However, shortly after the council's inauguration, Momodu was reportedly sidelined, and Ologbondiyan and Shaibu began competing for relevance and issuing statements on similar subjects. Atiku addressed a press conference in Abuja, announcing that his campaign would be flagged off on Wednesday, an event attended by selected journalists allegedly loyal to Shaibu.
The PDP has threatened to petition the police over alleged attacks on its members and candidates. Chairman of the PDP State Chairmen Forum and Imo State chairman, Austin Nwachukwu, alleged that opposition candidates, particularly governorship contenders, were being subjected to intimidation, harassment, and killings in different states. The party specifically accused the administration of Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Nwifuru, of creating a hostile political environment for PDP members.
Key points
- Atiku Abubakar challenges President Bola Tinubu to focus on fighting hunger rather than targeting the opposition.
- PDP accuses APC governors of intimidating, harassing, and attacking opposition members and candidates.
- Peter Obi's media office alleges that some governors are plotting to manipulate the 2027 elections.
