As Nigeria edges closer to the 2027 presidential election, the political landscape is heating up with growing uncertainty surrounding the future of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and leading opposition figures—Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso. The battle for Nigeria’s top office is already fueling intense debate as key players position themselves for a fierce showdown.
Since the 2023 elections, discussions within the opposition have taken a new turn. Prominent voices within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believe that the failure to unite cost them victory. Ibrahim Abdullahi, the Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, recently acknowledged that had internal conflicts been better managed, the likes of Obi and Kwankwaso might have remained in the party—changing the course of the election.
Abdullahi hinted that fresh talks are underway to form a powerful coalition against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. However, not everyone is optimistic about the opposition’s ability to unseat Tinubu.
Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has warned Atiku, Obi, and Kwankwaso against pursuing another presidential bid. He argues that even a unified opposition may struggle against Tinubu’s entrenched political machinery and the realities of Nigeria’s electoral system.
Meanwhile, calls for a broader alliance are gaining momentum. Salihu Lukman, a former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), is urging political heavyweights like Yemi Osinbajo, Rotimi Amaechi, Kayode Fayemi, and Nasir El-Rufai to align with the opposition. According to him, setting aside personal ambitions is the only way to challenge the APC’s dominance.
Within the ruling APC, there is both confidence and a hint of caution. While some leaders acknowledge the opposition’s potential to regroup, others dismiss their chances. Kano APC Publicity Secretary, Ahmed S. Aruwa, downplayed the threat posed by Atiku and Kwankwaso. He described Atiku’s political career as nearing its end while mocking Kwankwaso’s influence in the North.
“Kwankwaso has no political party at the moment,” Aruwa remarked. “His popularity is exaggerated and cannot match Tinubu’s economic reforms and fight against insecurity.”
Despite these dismissals, political analysts remain divided on who could emerge victorious in 2027. Abdullahi Abba, a political analyst, believes Atiku remains a strong contender due to his extensive political network. According to him, Atiku’s ability to build cross-regional and ethnic alliances gives him an edge, though internal party rivalries could pose a major obstacle.
Dr. Sa’id Dukawa, a political scientist at Bayero University Kano, predicts an all-out political war. He believes that early preparations and rising defections will shape the outcome. “Cross-carpeting and political alliances are at an all-time high,” Dukawa observed. “Politicians are moving fast, and 2027 will be a game-changer.”
On the streets, public sentiment is shifting. Many Nigerians are growing impatient with the Tinubu administration, especially due to rising economic hardship. Umar Ibrahim Umar, Executive Director of War Against Injustice, argues that Tinubu’s reforms may hurt his re-election bid.
“The economic reforms have caused more hardship than relief,” Umar said. “If things don’t improve, 2027 may not favor the ruling party.”
In the North, frustration is boiling over. Keke Napep riders in Kano voice their anger over rising petrol prices, which have skyrocketed to over ₦1,000 per liter. Many have abandoned their businesses, unable to meet daily financial targets.
One rider expressed his disappointment, saying, “We are struggling to survive. Who is thinking about voting?”
Despite government efforts to control food prices and promote economic recovery, skepticism remains high. The mood suggests that unless tangible changes occur, the APC could face a tough battle to hold onto power.
As the political temperature rises, the stakes are higher than ever. Both the ruling party and the opposition are locked in a high-stakes contest that will shape Nigeria’s future. With alliances forming and strategies evolving, the 2027 presidential election promises to be one of the most fiercely contested in the country’s history.