A senior political scientist has said there appears to be no credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Nigeria gears up for the 2027 general elections, reflecting concerns about the current capacity of opposition parties to mount a strong challenge.
Professor Jideofor Adibe of Nasarawa State University argued that Nigeria’s major opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) are struggling to present cohesive, unified platforms capable of rivaling the APC’s organisational reach and political influence. Part of this assessment stems from internal crises, leadership disputes and fragmented strategies that have weakened their appeal to voters nationwide.
Adibe noted that the APC’s dominance is reinforced by its control of a significant number of states, the federal government’s incumbency advantages, and its ongoing efforts to consolidate support across regions. The ruling party’s broad base and ability to attract defections from rival parties have underlined its structural advantage in national politics, especially as preparations for the 2027 elections intensify. Analysts say such structural advantages make it difficult for opposition outfits to muster the nationwide network and unified strategy needed to challenge the APC effectively.
Observers also highlight that opposition fragmentation with emerging parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) trying to position themselves as viable alternatives has not yet translated into sufficient electoral pressure to disrupt the APC’s electoral prospects. Internal disagreements, competing leadership ambitions, and inconsistent messaging continue to hinder opposition effectiveness in national discourse. While Adibe’s assessment points to a challenging landscape for Nigeria’s opposition, political commentators contend that evolving alliances, shifting voter sentiments, and regional dynamics could still influence electoral outcomes as campaigns unfold. Nonetheless, at this stage, the APC remains firmly positioned at the centre of political calculations leading up to the 2027 polls.
