Leading opposition figures have intensified preparations for the 2027 presidential election, signalling a major political battle against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex-Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Anambra State governor Peter Obi and businessman Mohammed Hayatu-Deen have all taken steps towards challenging Tinubu in 2027.
Atiku and Amaechi formally submitted their presidential nomination forms under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Makinde declared his ambition under a new opposition alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM). Obi, now aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), also reiterated his interest in the presidency, promising to serve only one term if elected.
Speaking after submitting his ADC form in Abuja, Atiku described his ambition as part of a national movement aimed at rescuing Nigeria from economic hardship and restoring prosperity.
According to him, Nigerians across regions, religions and political affiliations must unite to rebuild the country and return it to the path of growth and stability.
Amaechi, on his part, blamed the APC-led administration for the country’s worsening economic conditions, insisting that the “Emilokan” political philosophy contributed to the hardship Nigerians currently face.
He urged Nigerians to abandon ethnic and religious sentiments during elections and instead vote for competence and performance.
The former Transportation Minister argued that the 2027 election should be based on the achievements and experience of candidates, maintaining that his records as Rivers governor and minister prove he has the capacity to reposition Nigeria within four years.
Amaechi also stated that he preferred a direct primary process for selecting the ADC presidential candidate but would accept consensus if chosen by party stakeholders.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi said he would serve only one term if elected president, stressing that leadership should focus on service rather than personal ambition.
Obi cited former South African President Nelson Mandela and former American leaders Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy as examples of leaders whose legacies endured despite short tenures in office.
He also criticised the current administration’s economic policies, including rising debt and the increasing cost of living.
In Ibadan, Governor Makinde officially declared his presidential ambition during a mega rally organised to unveil the PDP-APM alliance.
Makinde said the coalition was formed to resist attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state and to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative ahead of the 2027 elections.
The governor lamented the worsening economic and security situation in the country, saying many Nigerians had been pushed into survival mode.
He called on opposition parties and citizens to unite, describing the new coalition as the beginning of a broader “Reset Nigeria Movement” aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democracy.
Makinde urged Nigerians to actively participate in the political process, insisting that citizens could no longer afford to remain passive observers while the nation struggles with hardship and insecurity.
Former Osun State governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola also backed the emerging alliance, saying dissatisfaction with the APC government and unfulfilled promises made by Tinubu during the 2023 campaign influenced opposition leaders to come together.
The Oyo State PDP chairman, Dayo Ogungbenro, described the alliance as a major turning point capable of producing a united opposition platform ahead of the next general election.
Similarly, APM National Secretary Oyadeyi Ayodele said the partnership represented a strategic effort to tackle insecurity, economic hardship and governance challenges facing the country.
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