As the 2027 elections approach, opposition leaders are calling for unity to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s government. They believe only a strong alliance between the major opposition parties can defeat the APC.

Reports of a merger between key opposition figures, including Labour Party (LP) presidential candidate Peter Obi, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, and former vice president Atiku Abubakar, have been dismissed. Both Obi and Kwankwaso denied any merger talks.

Kwankwaso, in an interview with BBC Hausa, said no agreement had been made. He called on leaders to allow the people to choose their president. Obi also denied any merger, but urged opposition parties to unite in 2027 to remove the APC.

PDP chieftain Mathias Adache stated that only a unified opposition can defeat Tinubu. The PDP and Labour Party cannot defeat Tinubu alone in 2027, he said. He pointed out that division led to Tinubu’s victory in 2023 and warned that it could happen again.

Labour Party leader Henry Ternenge blamed the lack of unity for Tinubu’s win in 2023. He argued that if the opposition had united, they could have easily outvoted him.

Meanwhile, the LP has made it clear that there will be no automatic ticket for Peter Obi in 2027. The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Obiora Ifoh, said all positions are up for contest.

As 2027 approaches, it remains uncertain whether the opposition will unite to challenge the APC. The next few months will be crucial for Nigeria’s political future.