Politics
ADC’s Entry May Smooth Tinubu’s Path in 2027 Presidential Race l By Adeniyi Olowofela
The 2023 presidential election in Nigeria was a tense three-horse race involving the All Progressives Congress (APC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and Labour Party (LP). However, developments ahead of the 2027 presidential contest suggest a potential four-party showdown, with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) joining the fray — a move that may inadvertently favour President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
As it stands, President Tinubu is expected to contest under the APC platform. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who flew the PDP flag in 2023, is now being touted as the likely presidential candidate of the ADC. This emerging shift has left political watchers speculating that Atiku’s exit could further weaken the PDP and help consolidate the APC’s electoral strength.
The PDP, once Nigeria’s most formidable political force, appears fragmented. The perceived defection of Atiku Abubakar and the growing uncertainty around the political direction of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, have left the party in a state of internal disarray. Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, known for defying political odds, is reportedly eyeing the PDP presidential ticket — a move that could trigger fresh tensions within the already balkanised party.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party remains firmly in the hands of former Anambra State Governor, Mr. Peter Obi. The movement that emerged around his 2023 candidacy, popularly known as the “Obidients”, remains fiercely loyal and ideologically opposed to both the APC and PDP. However, any decision by Obi to accept a vice-presidential slot could alienate his support base, potentially leading to a defection of his loyalists to other platforms.
Observers believe the entry of the African Democratic Congress, with Atiku Abubakar as its likely flagbearer, has reshaped the political terrain — not necessarily by strengthening opposition forces, but by further splintering them. With the PDP still grappling with identity and unity issues, and Labour Party standing alone with its distinct youthful demographic, the APC may have less to worry about in terms of a formidable opposition bloc.
Beneath the surface, the All Progressives Congress is reinforcing its grassroots presence in strategic states. Recent realignments in Akwa Ibom, Delta, and Rivers states point to quiet but effective groundwork being laid by the party. The APC is building an electoral fortress across the country in anticipation of 2027.
With a reputation as a master strategist and a maverick in political maneuvering, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is considered a formidable force in Nigerian politics. Political strategists believe that none of the current contenders — former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, or Governor Seyi Makinde — pose a consolidated threat unless opposition parties forge a united front.
It is also worth noting that all three challengers — Atiku, Obi, and Makinde — share a common political ancestry in the PDP, which once held Nigeria’s presidency for 16 years. Today, the party appears to be haemorrhaging influence, credibility, and top-tier candidates.
In a political class where most actors are poor losers, the increasing splintering of opposition platforms is viewed by some as a self-inflicted wound — one that could simplify the re-election campaign for President Tinubu.
With the African Democratic Congress offering Atiku Abubakar a new platform, and the Labour Party retaining Peter Obi as its leader, opposition forces seem more divided than ever. Unless drastic steps are taken to build consensus, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu may be heading into the 2027 presidential election with a clear and widened path.
Prof. Adeniyi Olowofela writes from Abuja, the nation’s capital.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State has called on Governor Seyi Makinde to resign immediately, alleging that his recent remarks on state security exposed incompetence and an inability to lead.
Governor Makinde, speaking during his acceptance speech as the Presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Ibadan on Saturday, lamented that he could do little to rescue abducted school children and residents in Oriire Local Government Area due to all security structures being under federal control.
Reacting, APC State Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, described the governor’s comments as “the height of cluelessness, insincerity, and criminal ineptitude,” warning that such disclosures reflect a dangerous trend among parochial leaders.
Sadare said, “Engr. Seyi Makinde could not find any fault in the nation’s Constitution, yet he swore twice to protect lives and properties of Oyo people. He has long enjoyed the powers of his office, controlling resources and people without challenge, but now faces a serious test, exposing incompetence, cluelessness, and ego.”
He added, “Instead of addressing security challenges, Makinde is exploiting the situation to push a mirage he calls a presidential ambition in 2027. His insensitive comments once again reveal hypocrisy. It is time he quit the office of the governor, having admitted he lacks the capacity to secure the state.”
The APC also recalled that previous governors, including Alhaji Lam Adesina, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, Chief Adebayo Alao-Akala, and the late Sen. Abiola Ajimobi, operated under the same constitutional provisions without similar security failures. Sadare particularly praised Ajimobi for establishing a Security Trust Fund to ensure funding and stakeholder involvement in security, in contrast to the current administration.
“Makinde’s presidential ambition is dead on arrival. Our concern is the continued loss, deprivation, and mismanagement the people of Oyo may suffer in the remaining year of his tenure. The state deserves a team player, a sincere and humble governor — qualities Makinde has failed to demonstrate in seven years. He should apologise and step down,” Sadare concluded.
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) for the 2027 general election following the conclusion of the party’s presidential nomination process.
Makinde emerged through consensus and affirmation by party delegates during the exercise, in what party leaders described as a demonstration of unity and confidence in his leadership ahead of the next general elections.
The governor was presented with his Certificate of Return by the National Chairman of the APM, Alhaji Yusuf Dantali, during a ceremony held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, amid cheers from party faithful, delegates and supporters drawn from different parts of the country.
Speaking during the presentation, Dantali said Makinde possesses the leadership qualities, administrative experience and vision required to steer the country towards sustainable growth and national development.
He urged party members across the federation to close ranks and intensify grassroots mobilisation to ensure victory for the party in the 2027 presidential election.
The APM national chairman maintained that the party remained committed to presenting Nigerians with what he described as a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic, security and governance challenges.
According to him, the emergence of Makinde as the party’s flag bearer marked the beginning of a new political movement aimed at restoring hope and strengthening democratic governance in the country.
In his acceptance speech, Governor Makinde expressed appreciation to the leadership of the party and delegates for the confidence reposed in him, pledging to work with stakeholders across political, ethnic and religious divides to advance the party’s vision for national transformation.
The governor assured party supporters of his commitment to inclusive leadership, promising to prioritise policies that would improve economic prosperity, strengthen institutions and enhance the welfare of Nigerians if elected.
Five key members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State have been appointed to the party’s campaign committee for the 2026 governorship re-election of Governor Abiodun Oyebanji in Ekiti State.
The Oyo APC leaders on the list include the party’s governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Abiodun Alli, former Senate leader Teslim Folarin, Minister of Youth and Sports Development, Sunday Dare, Zacch Adedeji, and Remi Oseni.
The list, signed by the party’s National Secretary, Sen. Ajibola Basiru, reflects the APC’s strategy of deploying experienced political figures with strong grassroots networks to ensure a successful re-election campaign in Ekiti.
“These appointments recognise their political experience and commitment to advancing the party’s agenda,” the source within the party said.
The APC committee is expected to coordinate campaign activities, voter engagement, and messaging, positioning the party for a strong showing in the 2026 governorship election.
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