Nigeria's opposition parties are facing mounting internal turmoil ahead of the 2027 elections, as allegations of manipulated primaries, parallel leadership structures, and rival presidential candidates heighten concerns over their cohesion, credibility, and electoral readiness. The crisis has engulfed both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and factions of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), where key figures are contesting primary outcomes, claiming legitimacy over party structures, and advancing separate presidential candidates.
Amaechi Rejects ADC Primary Results
Former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi rejected the outcome of the ADC presidential primaries, alleging widespread irregularities and voter disenfranchisement. Speaking via his verified X handle, Amaechi stated he would not accept results that failed to meet standards of fairness and transparency. He accused both the ADC and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of engaging in vote buying, while alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) failed to act against electoral malpractices. According to him, nearly 80 percent of party members were prevented from participating. “I unequivocally reject the concocted results being announced,” Amaechi said, adding that a party established to provide an alternative cannot engage in the same malpractices it criticizes.
Hayatu-Deen Shuns Results Declaration
Former Nigerian Economic Summit Group chairman and ADC presidential aspirant Mohammed Hayatu-Deen was absent from the party's results declaration, citing widespread irregularities. In a statement on his X account, he alleged vote manipulation in several parts of the country and inconsistencies in the conduct of the election, including consensus arrangements announced before voting commenced. He also claimed that some delegates were pressured to withdraw in favor of unnamed candidates. The ADC had not issued an official response at the time of filing.
Kachikwu Insists His Bloc Is Authentic ADC
Dumebi Kachikwu dismissed suggestions that his bloc constitutes a faction, insisting his camp remains the legitimate party structure recognized by INEC. Speaking on AIT's “Political Platform,” he said the real faction is the bloc associated with David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, and other opposition figures. Kachikwu claimed that his convention was attended by recognized state executives from across the country, and that a subsisting court order empowers his group to conduct congresses and conventions on behalf of the party.
PDP Faction Adopts Sandy Onor as Consensus Candidate
A faction of the PDP led by Abdulrahman Mohammed announced former Cross River State governorship candidate Sandy Onor as its consensus presidential candidate for 2027. The announcement was made by former Benue State Governor Samuel Ortom, who chaired the PDP Presidential Primaries Collation Committee. Ortom said consultations and voice votes were conducted among party members across the 36 states and the FCT. Onor was presented with a certificate of return and the party flag by National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, with INEC officials monitoring the exercise.
Court Affirms Jonathan's Eligibility for 2027
The Federal High Court in Abuja held that former President Goodluck Jonathan is eligible to contest the 2027 presidential election. Justice Peter Lifu dismissed a suit filed by lawyer Johnmary Jideobi seeking Jonathan's disqualification, describing it as an abuse of court process. The court awarded N20 million in costs against the plaintiff in favor of Jonathan, and N1 million in favor of the Attorney General of the Federation. Justice Lifu held that the plaintiff failed to establish any injury suffered should Jonathan contest. Jonathan's counsel, Chief Chris Uche (SAN), had argued that Section 137(3) of the Constitution could not be applied retroactively to Jonathan.
Dickson Unveils Digital Primaries for NDC
National Leader of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Seriake Dickson, declared that the party is rapidly emerging as a strong opposition force. Speaking at a dinner for aspirants, Dickson unveiled plans to reform internal party politics through digital primaries and strategic consensus arrangements. He warned against transactional politics and disclosed that the party plans to phase out manual primaries in favor of technology-driven electronic voting to reduce manipulation and strengthen transparency. The event featured presidential hopeful Peter Obi, while Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso was absent due to consultations in Kano.
Wike Predicts Tinubu Victory in FCT
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike predicted that President Bola Tinubu would secure victory in the Federal Capital Territory in 2027, citing unprecedented infrastructure development. Speaking during an inspection of projects, Wike stated that residents are beginning to feel the impact of governance, particularly in rural communities and satellite towns. He said the APC had recorded gains in the last Area Council elections in previously difficult territories, and that many projects would be commissioned as part of activities marking Tinubu's third anniversary in office.
