2027: Opposition leaders accuse APC of weakening democracy, call for united front

By Adejayan Gbenga

Opposition leaders in Nigeria have intensified criticism of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), accusing it of attempting to weaken multi-party democracy and tighten political control ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Speaking at a national summit of opposition leaders in Ibadan, former Senate President and National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Senator David Mark, warned that, “There is a deliberate attempt to push Nigeria toward a one-party system.”

According to him, “The APC has spent the last three years undermining opposition parties and insisted that such efforts would be resisted,”describing the political struggle as one between the ruling party and the Nigerian people.

Mark also expressed concern over the credibility of future elections, warning that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) must be closely watched to avoid what he described as flawed electoral processes.

Similarly, the Factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Taminu Turaki (SAN), also criticised the APC, describing Nigeria’s current condition as “progressive retrogression,” equally accusing the ruling party of sponsoring crises within opposition parties to destabilise them and weaken political competition.

Turaki called for the immediate formation of a Joint Opposition Framework to unite political parties against the APC ahead of 2027, saying it is necessary to protect Nigeria’s multi-party system and restore democratic choice.

He also noted that the opposition must act urgently to offer Nigerians a credible alternative, adding that the country’s socio-economic situation continues to worsen under the current administration.

The Ibadan summit, hosted by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde of the PDP, has become a key platform for discussions among opposition parties on possible alliances ahead of the next general election.