Barring any last-minute changes, the first lap in the timelines for the 2027 general elections will be crossed this weekend when the deadline for submission of political parties’ membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) expires. However, with 48 hours to go, politicians are switching sides as disarray within leading opposition parties continues.
Beating the digital membership register deadline is a hurdle high enough for opposition parties, as only the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) appears free of the mad rush. While others stage protests and attend to court cases, the APC, which flagged off its online registration early in 2026, concluded its nationwide membership revalidation and is set for the next stage: primaries to pick candidates for elective positions.
APC Adopts Direct Primary for Presidential Ticket
The APC National Working Committee (NWC) has announced the adoption of direct primary as the method for selecting its presidential candidate. APC members across the country will vote directly for their preferred candidate between President Bola Tinubu, seeking a second term, and Edo State businessman Osifo Stanley, who purchased the party’s N100 million presidential nomination forms.
President Tinubu formally submitted his Expression of Interest and Nomination forms at the APC National Secretariat in Abuja on Thursday. The documents were delivered by Vice President Kashim Shettima amid chants of “On your mandate we shall stand” by party stalwarts, including ministers, members of the Progressive Governors Forum led by Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma, and National Assembly members.
A member of the House of Representatives, James Faleke, had earlier picked up the nomination forms on behalf of the President. Stanley confirmed his intention to contest the APC presidential ticket, setting up a potential internal contest against the incumbent.
Presenting the forms to the NWC led by Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, Shettima said Tinubu demonstrated courage and leadership by taking difficult decisions to stabilise the economy. “As he seeks to lead us for another four years, the President has proved his mettle and shown the world that his capacity to pull the nation out of the woods remains intact,” Shettima said. He added that the Renewed Hope Agenda has translated into tangible successes across several sectors, noting that Tinubu inherited a fragile economy with low foreign reserves but chose not to blame past administrations.
Opposition Parties Face Internal Crises
The 2027 stage appears not set for opposition parties as internal crises overwhelm preparations. At a time when parties should focus on primaries before the May 30 deadline for candidate submission, leaders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Coalition (ADC), and the newly formed Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are battling legitimacy crises amid the rush to sign members to beat the INEC deadline for the digital register.
Ardo Vows Not to Back Down on Opposition to NDC’s Registration
Co-convener of the League of Northern Democrats and 2023 Adamawa State governorship candidate of the SDP, Dr. Umar Ardo, said he would not back down from challenging INEC’s registration of the NDC. He stated that those questioning his locus standi do not know enough, adding that the modalities for registering new political parties are clearly spelt out.
Citing INEC guidelines, Ardo said: “No political association can be registered without filling INEC’s Form EC15A, which is the Party Registration Form. An association pays a mandatory N2 million administrative fee to receive an access code to open the portal and apply. The application must upload the party name, acronym, logo, constitution, manifesto, names, addresses, ID cards, passport photographs, indigene letters, etc., of its national executive members, address of national office, INEC payment receipt, bank account details, and an affidavit of truth. INEC examines these documents for compliance with the constitution, Electoral Act, and guidelines. Until these documents are uploaded and found to be 100% compliant, INEC cannot register the association.”
Ardo claimed that the NDC did not pay the N2 million fee, did not collect the access code, did not fill Form EC15A, and did not upload anything as required by law. He questioned what documents the NDC placed before the Lokoja Federal High Court for the court to say they fulfilled all requirements. He said he obtained the Certified True Copy of all documents and processes, including the judgment, and argued that the court was thoroughly misled.
Adebayo Decries Police Siege on Secretariat as SDP Vows to Proceed with Convention
Former presidential candidate of the SDP, Adewole Adebayo, decried the invasion of the SDP national secretariat by security operatives on Thursday. He alleged the action was part of a coordinated attempt to disrupt the SDP’s presidential nomination process ahead of the 2027 elections, orchestrated to frustrate his ambition. Adebayo accused President Tinubu of attempting to impose one-man rule.
The party reaffirmed its decision to proceed with its national convention in Bauchi despite the security operation. National Chairman Sadiq Gombe said the party remains guided by its constitution and will not be distracted by internal dissent or external pressure. He explained that suspensions and expulsions of former chairman Shehu Gabam and the former financial secretary were based on allegations of misconduct, financial infractions, and constitutional breaches, following investigations and fair hearings.
Despite mounting tension, the SDP reaffirmed that its national convention will proceed in Bauchi as scheduled, with an alternative venue approved after earlier locations were blocked. Gombe said preparations are advanced, with delegates mobilising nationwide.
However, Gabam formally resumed office on Thursday following recognition as the authentic leader by the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal. He arrived at the party secretariat accompanied by security personnel from the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, and NSCDC. Gabam urged SDP supporters to remain calm and peaceful, announcing that congresses will commence on May 16 and the National Convention will be held in Abuja. He distanced his faction from any parallel convention.
Ugochinyere Cautions ADC, NDC, LP Against Bickering
Member representing Ideato North/South Federal Constituency, Ikenga Ugochinyere, called on opposition parties, particularly the ADC, NDC, and Labour Party (LP), to stop unnecessary internal attacks and focus on building unity to strengthen democratic opposition. He described the growing culture of public bickering as childish and counterproductive, stressing that Nigerians expect opposition to provide direction, hope, and credible alternatives.
He urged leaders to concentrate on issues affecting Nigerians, including insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and governance challenges, rather than dissipating energy on internal divisions. “The people are watching. What Nigerians want to see is maturity, unity, and a common purpose,” he stated.
Obi Promises to Prioritise Credible Opposition if Elected President
2027 presidential hopeful and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi said he will prioritise a credible opposition as president, stating that opposition parties are essential to governance. Obi, who recently moved to the NDC from the ADC, spoke on Thursday during a visit to the University of the Niger, where he donated N25 million to the institution’s development.
Obi said he leaves parties not for the fun of it, but because of crises and acrimony where he is usually the target. “I was in Labour and saw endless unresolved litigations and problems mainly because of me, so I felt I should leave. I went to ADC and felt the same situation, so I had to leave. People just want power for the sake of power. I’m pleading with them to allow democracy to thrive. Opposition is a critical part of government. If I were in government today, the main thing I would achieve is to have a strong opposition and work with them.”
Asked why he is still making donations when he should be saving for the presidential project, Obi said people expect him to save money to pay agents to guard his votes, but Nigerians must guard their votes themselves. “I’m spending money to support education because I value the future of these young people. Don’t expect me to keep money to buy polling unit agents because I will not do it.”
El-Rufai’s Son, Four Others Dump APC, PDP for ADC, NDC in Reps
Amid uncertainties within opposition parties, fresh defections hit the House of Representatives on Thursday as five lawmakers dumped the ruling APC and the PDP for the NDC and ADC. Among the defectors was Muhammed el-Rufai, son of former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, who represents Kaduna North Federal Constituency. He defected from the APC to the NDC, a move seen as a major signal of the widening crack between his father and the ruling party.
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas read the lawmakers’ letters of defection during plenary. Muhammed el-Rufai’s exit came months after speculations over his political future following his father’s increasing criticism of President Tinubu’s administration. Nasir el-Rufai, once a key ally of Tinubu, has openly accused the ruling party of abandoning internal democracy.
Also joining the NDC was Joshua Obika, representing Abaji/Gwagwalada/Kuje/Kwali Federal Constituency of the FCT. Obika defected from the APC to the NDC, marking his third political movement since the 10th Assembly. He was elected on the Labour Party platform in 2023 before moving to the APC in March 2026.
Abdulhakeem Kamilu, representing Wudil/Garko Federal Constituency of Kano State, dumped the ADC for the NDC, citing unresolved leadership issues. Kamilu was elected on the NNPP platform before defecting to the ADC earlier this year.
Two lawmakers from Kaduna State, Suleiman Richifa and Umar Ajilo, defected from the PDP to the ADC, attributing their decision to the lingering crisis within the PDP at state and national levels.
The latest defections came barely days after 17 lawmakers reportedly aligned with the NDC, underscoring growing efforts by opposition politicians to build a coalition capable of challenging the APC in 2027. The development altered the political composition of the House and fuelled speculations of more defections in the coming months.
Obidient Movement Disowns Splinter Groups, Warns Against Impersonation
The fear of cracks within the Obidient Movement was doused when the body rejected the emergence of unauthorised groups and parallel structures operating under similar names. In a statement by National Coordinator Yunusa Tanko, the movement said it has not authorised any faction or alternative leadership outside its officially recognised structure aligned with its principal, Peter Obi.
The movement stressed that any individuals or organisations using derivative identities to suggest affiliation do not represent its leadership, values, or objectives. It urged the public, supporters, and media to be cautious and disregard any communication not issued through its official channels. The Obidient Movement remains a unified, people-driven platform anchored on accountability, justice, integrity, and a shared vision for national renewal.
