Key opposition figures moved decisively on Thursday to strengthen their bids against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general election, as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and former Anambra governor Peter Obi unveiled plans and alliances aimed at challenging the ruling APC.
Atiku, now aligned with the African Democratic Congress, submitted his presidential nomination form at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja, describing his ambition as part of a broader movement to “save Nigeria from despair.”
In a statement posted on his X account, Atiku said the campaign represented “a national movement rooted in hope, renewal, and the collective resolve to save Nigeria from despair,” urging Nigerians across regional and religious divides to join the movement.
Amaechi, who also submitted his ADC nomination form, launched a direct attack on the APC administration, blaming the “Emilokan” political philosophy associated with the 2023 election for Nigeria’s current economic hardship.
“It is Emilokan that brought us here. It is ‘our turn’ that brought us here,” Amaechi said in Abuja, arguing that Nigerians should abandon ethnic and regional considerations in choosing leaders and instead focus on competence and performance.
The former transportation minister questioned the APC’s decision to seek another term in office amid worsening living conditions, saying the ruling party should “be in shame and allow other Nigerians to participate and change the country.”
Amaechi also positioned himself as the most experienced among the presidential hopefuls, citing his record as Rivers governor and former minister. He pledged to “turn the country around” within four years if elected and expressed support for a direct primary process within the ADC.
Meanwhile, Peter Obi, now associated with the Nigeria Democratic Congress, said he would serve only one term if elected president in 2027.
Speaking during an interview with News Central TV, Obi said: “I will not stay a day longer than four years, even with a gun to my head.” He argued that prolonged leadership often breeds corruption in Africa and referenced leaders such as Nelson Mandela and Abraham Lincoln as examples of enduring legacies built within short periods in office.
Obi also criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic policies, particularly rising debt levels and the increasing cost of living, describing the current period as one of Nigeria’s most difficult moments.
In Ibadan, Makinde formally declared his presidential ambition under a new alliance involving the Peoples Democratic Party and the Allied Peoples’ Movement.
The declaration followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between both parties, which Makinde described as the foundation of a broader coalition to challenge the APC in 2027.
Addressing supporters at Mapo Hall, the Oyo governor accused the ruling party of undermining democracy and attempting to impose a one-party state on Nigeria.
“We have continued to witness interference in the affairs of opposition parties across our beloved country, with the clear intention of steering Nigeria towards a one-party state,” Makinde said.
He added that worsening insecurity and economic hardship had pushed Nigerians into “survival mode” and urged opposition parties and citizens to unite under what he called the “Reset Nigeria Movement.”
Former Osun governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, speaking at the rally, said growing dissatisfaction with the APC administration and unfulfilled campaign promises made the opposition alliance necessary.
Also speaking, Oyo PDP chairman Dayo Ogungbenro described the alliance as a defining moment for opposition politics, while APM National Secretary Oyadeyi Ayodele said the coalition represented a strategic effort to restore “balance, hope, and effective governance” in Nigeria.
