With Nigerians grappling with soaring inflation and an ever-worsening cost of living, the nation’s political landscape is already heating up ahead of the 2027 general elections.
President Bola Tinubu, elected in 2023, is facing growing resistance from influential political actors who are working to derail his anticipated bid for a second term.
Amid public discontent and widespread criticism of his administration’s policies, a broad coalition of political stakeholders is forming—united by a single goal: to unseat Tinubu in 2027.
Detractors accuse the president of pursuing what they term anti-people policies, failing to address the economic crisis, and allegedly pushing Nigeria toward a de facto one-party system.
Many argue the administration has not only broken its promises but is exacerbating the country’s woes.
Here are some of the prominent figures and political forces mobilizing to challenge President Tinubu’s re-election:
The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has already declared his intention to run again in 2027. He remains vocal about his desire to reform Nigeria’s political system and has indicated a willingness to enter strategic alliances.
In March, Obi joined forces with Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai to explore a political coalition aimed at mounting a formidable opposition to Tinubu.
Speculation also surrounds a possible power-sharing arrangement, with some reports suggesting Obi may accept a vice-presidential slot under Atiku in a one-term rotational presidency—though neither side has confirmed this officially
Former Vice President and PDP flagbearer in 2023, Atiku Abubakar remains a central figure in opposition politics. He has actively supported the formation of a coalition to challenge the ruling APC and Tinubu’s leadership.
Atiku has reportedly floated the idea of a one-term presidency with Peter Obi as his running mate—an idea designed to consolidate opposition votes and appeal across party lines. Their March coalition announcement has ignited debate about the viability of such political unity.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is another rising political figure whose name is being floated for a 2027 presidential run. In April, Makinde declared he has the competence to lead Nigeria but stressed that any decision would be made in alignment with his party and the will of the people.
Campaign posters bearing his image and the slogan To Move Nigeria Forward 2027 have begun to surface in major cities like Kano, backed by the Brave New Vision Support Group.
Former Kaduna State governor Nasir El-Rufai has emerged as one of Tinubu’s most vocal critics. Speaking in May, El-Rufai dismissed the idea of Tinubu securing re-election, saying, Any one who believes President Bola Tinubu can get re-elected is living in another country. I don’t see a path forward for him, regardless of how disorganized the opposition may be.
El-Rufai has confirmed ongoing efforts to build a powerful coalition to dislodge the current administration.
Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, is also a key player in the coalition-building efforts. He has been deeply involved in strategy sessions aimed at unifying various political blocs against Tinubu.
Two former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River) are helping shape the direction of the emerging coalition.
Amaechi reportedly heads the committee exploring the formation or registration of a new political party, while Imoke is leading negotiations on merging with existing opposition parties.
Ralph Okey Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has been a fierce critic of the Tinubu administration.
In a recent statement, Nwosu said: From Lagos to Kano, Nigerians are united by hunger and insecurity, symptoms of a failed leadership. The APC is delusional. They will either sweep themselves out with their broom or the citizens will do it for them.
As the 2027 election approaches, the growing chorus of opposition voices signals a turbulent road ahead for the Tinubu administration. Whether this coalition will hold together or succumb to the usual fractures of Nigerian politics remains to be seen.
