Nigeria’s Opposition Gears Up for 2027 Presidential Election Amid Renewed Merger Talks

The upcoming 2027 Presidential election in Nigeria has sparked renewed political activity, particularly among opposition figures seeking to challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the major opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

Following the failed merger attempt in 2023, which resulted in the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, efforts to form a Third Force coalition have resurfaced. The Third Force Movement, initially led by prominent figures like former Presidential candidate Prof. Pat Utomi, late former House of Representatives Speaker Ghali Na’abba, former President of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Olisa Agbakoba (SAN), Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Prof. Kingsley Moghalu, and late Dr. Obadiah Mailafia, aims to provide an alternative political platform.

Before this, a group of young presidential aspirants had attempted to form an alliance against the APC and PDP ahead of the 2019 election, but their efforts did not materialize.

With the Supreme Court’s affirmation of President Tinubu’s election, opposition parties have resumed talks of a potential merger against the ruling party. Prof. Utomi is spearheading these efforts through the National Consultative Front (NCFront), also known as Leaders of Conscience.

In November, former PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar called for opposition parties to unite against the increasing dominance of the APC, warning of the country’s slide towards a one-party state. However, there have been early speculations about potential presidential candidates for the merged coalition, although the NCFront has clarified that such discussions are premature.

In an interview, Prof. Utomi emphasized the need for a new political party with a clear ideology focused on national development. He stressed the importance of selfless service and the avoidance of narcissism in politics, calling for a focus on building a great country rather than personal gains.

Political analysts have expressed cautious optimism about the merger’s prospects, highlighting the need for a popular candidate and the potential challenges posed by the ruling party’s efforts to disrupt the opposition’s unity.

Daily Trust