Fresh divisions have emerged within Nigeria’s opposition camp ahead of the 2027 presidential election, following the defection of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) to the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Despite the political realignments, allies of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar insist that plans for a united opposition coalition and a possible consensus presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu remain on course.
Atiku, who left the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2025 to join the ADC as part of efforts to build a broad opposition alliance, had initially been joined by Obi and Kwankwaso in the coalition movement before both politicians later exited the party amid internal disagreements.
Sources close to Atiku dismissed conversations around a proposed single-term presidency, describing such debates as premature and unnecessary at this stage of coalition building. According to them, the main focus remains strengthening the opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
One ally of the former vice president compared the ADC to a moving train, saying political figures may leave while others continue to join, insisting that the coalition’s mission to challenge the ruling government remains unchanged.
However, several opposition parties and political figures have distanced themselves from the idea of adopting a single presidential candidate, exposing widening cracks within the opposition bloc.
National leader of the NDC, Seriake Dickson, stated that discussions about a consensus candidate are not yet necessary, while the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) maintained that its main objective is to remove the current administration from power, whether through alliances or independent participation.
The Accord Party also rejected claims linking it to coalition talks reportedly held during a recent political summit in Ibadan, while a faction of the ADC led by Nafiu Bala Gombe insisted the party would field its own candidates independently in future elections.
Similarly, the Labour Party dismissed suggestions of a joint presidential arrangement, saying its current attention is focused on resolving internal leadership matters ahead of its national convention.
Abia State Governor Alex Otti also clarified that the Labour Party was not part of any coalition agreement discussed at the summit.
Meanwhile, supporters of Obi and Kwankwaso are intensifying calls for the presidency to remain in the South in the interest of fairness and political balance. Leaders of the Obidient Movement and the Obi–Kwankwaso Movement argued that zoning should continue to guide the country’s political structure, especially since the current presidency is already held by a southern candidate.
They also described Peter Obi as one of the most popular opposition figures in the country, particularly among young Nigerians, insisting he would be a strong consensus candidate if adopted by opposition forces.
The debate over zoning, coalition strategy, and the possibility of presenting a single opposition candidate has continued to shape political discussions following the official unveiling of Obi and Kwankwaso in the NDC.
Both politicians have defended their move to the NDC, saying they were seeking a more stable political platform free from internal crises and endless legal disputes.
