By Eunice Orike
With less than six months to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections, major opposition parties are grappling with internal crises that raise serious doubts about their readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the APC continues to consolidate its structures, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Labour Party (LP), and Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) are entangled in leadership disputes, factional battles, and court cases that threaten their electoral chances.
In the PDP, two parallel factions have produced two presidential candidates. The Abdulrahman Mohammed-led National Working Committee, backed by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, has adopted former Cross River senator Sandy Onor. Meanwhile, the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee insists that former President Goodluck Jonathan is the authentic candidate. Both factions recently held separate ceremonies to present certificates of return to their candidates. Although INEC currently recognises the Mohammed-led faction, the Turaki camp has gone to court seeking official recognition. Wike has declared the crisis “settled,” but Turaki’s faction argues that the real test will be whose candidates appear on the ballot.
The ADC is similarly divided, with three factions claiming leadership. One faction, led by former Senate President David Mark, is recognised by INEC and enjoys support from figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Other factions are headed by Kingsley Ogga and Nafiu Bala, with multiple court cases challenging Mark’s leadership and the party’s registration status.
The Labour Party remains split between the Nenadi Usman and Julius Abure factions. Recent court rulings have favoured Usman’s camp, but Abure’s faction insists the matter can only be conclusively resolved by the Supreme Court.
These disputes have created uncertainty for candidates who emerged from party primaries but remain unsure whether their nominations will survive ongoing legal battles. Analysts warn that unless opposition parties resolve their crises quickly, they risk entering the 2027 elections weakened and fragmented, leaving the APC with a significant advantage.
