By Musa Baba Adamu
A public affairs commentator, Mahdi Shehu, has raised concerns that internal crises within opposition parties may hand victory to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Shehu, in a post shared on his verified X handle on Sunday, said opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), National Democratic Coalition (NDC) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) have failed to build a united front capable of challenging the ruling party.
He attributed the situation to personal ambition, lack of cooperation among leaders and what he described as deep-rooted divisions within the opposition ranks.
According to him, the inability of opposition figures to align their interests could ultimately cost them both political relevance and electoral success.
Shehu also alleged bias within the electoral system, claiming that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) appears partisan in its conduct.
He further accused leaders of the ruling party of working in concert to weaken opposition chances, while expressing doubts about the neutrality of the judiciary in political disputes.
The commentator also criticised aspects of the Electoral Act, describing some provisions as unfavourable to opposition parties.
He maintained that desperation among aspirants and the pursuit of individual ambitions have compounded the challenges facing the opposition.
Shehu noted that a united opposition could pose a formidable challenge to the APC but warned that continued disunity would only strengthen the ruling party’s chances in 2027.
He also referenced reported plans by some opposition figures to defect to other parties or return to the APC, describing such moves as counterproductive.
The analyst cautioned that the 2027 elections may represent a defining moment for opposition leaders, stressing that failure to unite could diminish their relevance in Nigeria’s political landscape.
He, however, expressed optimism that the situation could still change, noting that with collective effort and commitment, a stronger opposition remains possible.
