A former governor of Jigawa State, Sule Lamido, has expressed concerns that the division within Nigeria's opposition parties may give President Bola Tinubu an upper hand in the 2027 presidential election. Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today, Lamido, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), argued that a united opposition front could pose a significant challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Lamido's comments come after the 2023 election, in which President Tinubu defeated opposition candidates Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi. Despite initial efforts to forge a united opposition front, internal disagreements led to defections, with Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso moving to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) in May 2026. The NDC subsequently adopted Obi as its 2027 presidential candidate, while Atiku remained in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), securing its presidential ticket.
According to Lamido, personal political ambitions have taken precedence over national unity, leading to a vitriolic campaign that is damaging the country. He warned that the division within the opposition may give Tinubu an advantage, saying, "Because of the number of governors, both serving and former governors of the APC, and because Atiku and Obi divided their own force, it gives Tinubu the advantage."
Lamido also expressed concerns about the tone of the campaigns, stating, "Whoever wins, Nigeria will lose. That’s my problem. It’s more about their personalities. They are abusing each other." His comments highlight the need for a more united and issue-based approach to politics in Nigeria.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections for 16 January, with governorship polls to follow on 6 February. As the election approaches, Lamido's comments serve as a reminder of the importance of a united opposition in challenging the ruling party.
A joint ticket featuring Atiku as president and Obi as his running mate could have posed a formidable challenge to the APC, according to Lamido. However, the failure to unite has given Tinubu an advantage, which the president may capitalize on in the upcoming election.
As Nigeria prepares for the 2027 elections, the opposition parties face the task of uniting and presenting a strong challenge to the ruling APC. The outcome of the election will depend on various factors, including the ability of the opposition parties to put aside their differences and present a united front.
Key points
- Former governor Sule Lamido warns that opposition division gives President Bola Tinubu an advantage in the 2027 presidential election.
- A united opposition front could pose a significant challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
- The 2027 presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled for 16 January, with governorship polls to follow on 6 February.
