LAGOS — Nigeria’s opposition figures on Thursday stepped up preparations ahead of the 2027 presidential election, unveiling fresh political strategies and declarations aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar formally submitted his presidential nomination form under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), declaring that the mission to rescue Nigeria had begun.
Similarly, former Rivers State Governor and ex-Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi, submitted his own nomination form through the ADC and urged Nigerians to abandon ethnic, religious and regional sentiments when choosing leaders. He argued that the APC’s “Emilokan” philosophy had worsened hardship across the country.
In another development, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde officially declared his intention to contest the presidency in 2027 under a newly formed alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM). He described the coalition as the foundation of a larger opposition movement.
Meanwhile, former Labour Party presidential candidate and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, now aligned with the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), pledged to serve only one term if elected president.
Earlier in the week, ADC aspirant Dr. Mohammed Hayatu-Deen also submitted his nomination form, promising to transform Nigeria if given the mandate.
Amaechi: ‘Emilokan’ Brought Nigeria to This Point
Speaking shortly after submitting his nomination form in Abuja, Amaechi criticised the political ideology that shaped the 2023 election, saying leadership should never be determined by whose “turn” it is.
According to him, the country’s current economic challenges stem from such political thinking.
“It is Emilokan that brought us here. It is ‘our turn’ that brought us here. Now it should be Nigerians’ turn,” he said.
Amaechi stressed that hardship affects all citizens regardless of religion or ethnicity, insisting that ordinary Nigerians are united by economic realities.
“There is no market for Christians, Muslims, Northerners or Southerners. The market only understands the value of the naira, and Nigerians are suffering,” he stated.
The former minister blamed the current administration for worsening economic conditions and questioned why the APC seeks another term in office.
He urged Nigerians to reject identity politics and vote based on competence and proven performance.
“Nigerians should stop voting based on sentiments such as region or religion. The focus should be on who has delivered and who can lead effectively,” he said.
Amaechi also defended his own credentials, citing his records as Governor of Rivers State and Minister of Transportation.
“I believe I am the most experienced among those contesting. I have the capacity and experience to turn this country around within four years,” he added.
On the ADC’s candidate selection process, Amaechi expressed support for direct primaries but said he would also accept consensus if chosen.
Obi Pledges One-Term Presidency
Peter Obi, in an interview with News Central Television, promised not to exceed a single term in office if elected.
“I want to be a one-term president because stability is important. Even if a gun is pointed at my head, I will not remain beyond four years,” Obi said.
He also criticised the economic direction of the Tinubu administration, including its borrowing policies and rising cost of living.
Drawing examples from global history, Obi cited leaders whose influence extended beyond the length of their time in office.
He referenced former United States presidents Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy, as well as South African icon Nelson Mandela, saying leadership should focus on impact rather than longevity.
Obi argued that prolonged stays in power have often weakened leadership across Africa.
Atiku: Time to Rescue Nigeria
Following the submission of his ADC nomination form, Atiku shared a message describing his presidential ambition as part of a larger movement for national renewal.
He said the initiative was designed to restore prosperity and revive hope among Nigerians.
“The journey before us is more than politics. It is a movement built on hope, renewal and a collective determination to save Nigeria from despair,” he stated.
Atiku called on Nigerians across all regions, religions and backgrounds to join what he described as a national effort to restore progress and better days.
Makinde Launches ‘Reset Nigeria Movement’
At a political rally held at Mapo Hall in Ibadan, Makinde unveiled his presidential ambition and announced the beginning of what he called the “Reset Nigeria Movement.”
The event followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the PDP and APM aimed at strengthening cooperation ahead of future elections.
Addressing supporters, Makinde alleged that Nigeria’s democratic system was facing growing threats through attempts to weaken opposition parties.
He warned that democracy cannot thrive under a one-party arrangement.
“We have continued to witness interference in opposition parties, creating fears that Nigeria may be moving toward a one-party system,” he said.
Makinde also lamented worsening economic and security conditions, saying many Nigerians had been pushed into survival mode.
According to him, assumptions that opposition parties could never unite had proven false.
“The opposition is not only political parties. Every Nigerian whose life has become difficult is part of this movement,” he said.
Calling for increased civic participation, Makinde urged citizens not to remain passive observers.
“This is the time to participate actively in shaping Nigeria’s future. We cannot afford to stand aside,” he added.
Declaring his ambition, he said:
“I, Oluseyi Makinde, formally announce my candidacy for the office of President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Opposition Alliance Gains Momentum
Former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola described the growing alliance among opposition figures as a response to dissatisfaction with the APC administration.
He said many promises made during the 2023 campaign season had yet to materialise, creating frustration among Nigerians.
Similarly, Oyo PDP Chairman Dayo Ogungbenro described the PDP-APM alliance as a major turning point capable of strengthening opposition forces ahead of the next election cycle.
The National Secretary of the APM, Oyadeyi Ayodele, also described the partnership as a strategic effort to address insecurity, economic hardship and restore public confidence in governance.
Political observers say the growing alliances and declarations may signal the beginning of a major realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential race.
2027: Atiku, Amaechi, Makinde, Obi Intensify Push to Unseat Tinubu as Opposition Realigns
