Tensions Rise as APC, Opposition Parties Clash Ahead of 2027 Elections

As the 2027 general elections draw closer, political analysts warn that the escalating exchanges between the All Progressives Congress (APC) and leading opposition parties threaten to undermine governance and may run afoul of electoral regulations.

In recent weeks, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have openly criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. The PDP, through National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, accused the government of failing to stabilize the economy, curb violence, and address hunger, poverty and unemployment. In a follow-up release, the party described Nigerians as having “gone through hell” under the current leadership.

The NNPP’s National Chairman, Ajuji Ahmed, alleged last October that the APC was sponsoring divisions within opposition ranks to secure its hold on power. ADC leader Dr. Ralph Okey Nwosu echoed this claim in an interview with Daily Trust, alleging that the Tinubu administration was funding efforts to weaken rival parties.

Opposition figures also contend that the APC has tempted defectors with promises of automatic tickets, government contracts and appointments. The APC’s National Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, dismissed these allegations as baseless, stating that the party is focused on delivering results and has no interest in engineering dissent among opponents.

Analysts caution that these pre-election tactics risk violating Nigeria’s electoral laws, which bar campaigning more than six months before an election and prohibit undue influence on party members. They warn that such early power plays could distract the government from pressing national issues.

The APC reinforced its unity at a recent national summit in Abuja by formally endorsing President Tinubu as its sole candidate for 2027. Party spokesmen have repeatedly told opposition leaders to “stop dreaming” about occupying the Aso Rock Villa, insisting that “there is no vacancy.”

Still, high-profile departures signal unrest within APC ranks. Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai joined the SDP to mount a direct challenge to Tinubu’s re-election bid and labeled the current administration “the worst since 1999.”

Among the opposition’s coordinating efforts, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP is advocating a coalition to unseat Tinubu. Atiku recently criticized the president’s extended stay in France amid domestic unrest and condemned plans for $24 billion in new borrowing as “reckless” and “unsustainable.” The presidency retorted that Atiku’s own economic proposals would have deepened Nigeria’s challenges.

Similarly, Labour Party’s Peter Obi rated the government’s performance poorly, faulting political elites for endorsing what he termed “anti-democratic policies.” Presidential spokesman Daniel Bwala countered that Obi had no standing to levy such critiques.