A storm of allegations from opposition figures has cast a dark shadow over Nigeria's political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, with warnings that internal sabotage and institutional bias pose a grave threat to the nation's multiparty democracy.
Makinde Exposes Wike's 'Hold PDP for Tinubu' Pledge
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has publicly revealed a shocking political pledge he alleges was made by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike. Speaking during a media chat in Ibadan on December 23, 2025, Makinde recounted a meeting attended by President Bola Tinubu, Wike, and others.
He claimed that during this meeting, Wike volunteered to "hold the PDP" for President Tinubu ahead of the 2027 elections. Makinde clarified that the President did not solicit this promise, but the revelation left him deeply concerned.
The governor stated that while Wike is free to support Tinubu, he himself will not and believes every individual should make their own political choice. He issued a stern warning that attempts by agents of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to weaken or destroy the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) could have catastrophic unintended consequences, including the erosion of Nigeria's democratic fabric.
"I call on all democrats to resist any plot to impose a one-party system on the country," Makinde declared.
On his own political future, the governor asserted his readiness for the nation's highest office, citing his executive experience in Oyo State and his professional background running a private company from age 29. "To serve this country at the highest level, I am qualified. I am even overqualified," he said.
INEC Accused of Bias in PDP Factional Crisis
Governor Makinde also launched a scathing attack on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), accusing it of mishandling the PDP's internal crisis and demonstrating clear bias.
The accusation follows INEC's refusal to recognise the executives elected at the PDP's factional National Convention held in Ibadan on November 15 and 16, 2025. The convention, backed by Makinde and Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, produced a new National Working Committee (NWC) led by Kabiru Turaki.
Makinde alleged that INEC failed to involve all key stakeholders in efforts to resolve the party's dispute, creating an impression that some voices mattered more than others. "INEC played us," he stated bluntly, arguing that the commission's lack of inclusiveness worsened the party's divisions.
Echoing these concerns, the PDP's South-West National Vice Chairman, Ajisafe Toyese, raised an alarm over a clandestine plan to deregister the party, questioning why a faction allegedly led by Minister Wike was consistently accorded special privileges.
INEC, in a letter dated December 22, 2025, and signed by its Secretary, Dr. Rose Oriaran-Anthony, explained its position. The commission cited two final judgments from the Federal High Court in Abuja—Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2120/2025 and Suit No. FHC/ABJ/CS/2299/2025—which expressly restrained it from recognising or giving effect to the outcome of the Ibadan convention.
INEC stated it is legally bound to obey these subsisting court orders, noting that the filing of appeals does not constitute a stay of execution.
Civil Society Warns of Arrest Plot Against Opposition
Further heightening tensions, a civil society organisation has alleged a coordinated plan by state security institutions to arrest and detain prominent opposition figures. The group, operating under the Yoruba civic platform "Bí a bá pa ìtàn mọ́, ìtàn á pa wa", issued a statement in Abuja on December 23.
The organisation claimed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai are on a list for possible arrest. It also named former ministers Rauf Aregbesola and Isa Ali Pantami, as well as Kashim Ibrahim Imam, as potential targets.
The group described the alleged operation as a politically motivated strategy to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 polls, warning that such actions threaten to strain Nigeria's democratic framework and heighten political instability.
Accord Party Affirms Unity Amidst Crisis Claims
In a related development, the opposition Accord Party has moved to dismiss reports of a factional crisis within its ranks. The party's National Chairman, Maxwell Mgbudem, addressed a press briefing in Abuja, insisting the party remains united and stable.
Mgbudem described claims of a leadership tussle as false, attributing them to "political jobbers" seeking publicity. He confirmed the expulsion of the party's 2023 presidential candidate, Prof. Christopher Imumolen, for gross misconduct and anti-party activities, a decision ratified by the National Executive Committee (NEC) in November 2024.
He affirmed that the party's national convention was held on July 28, 2024, in Abuja, in full compliance with the Electoral Act and INEC guidelines, and that he remains the INEC-recognised national chairman.
The convergence of these allegations—from a high-level political pledge to institutional bias and alleged security overreach—paints a troubling pre-2027 picture, with opposition leaders warning that the survival of Nigeria's democracy is now at stake.
