Nigerian Political Parties Begin 2027 Election Manoeuvres as ADC Endorses Amaechi
Nigeria's opposition parties and gubernatorial aspirants have intensified positioning ahead of the 2027 general elections, with the African Democratic Congress South-South zone endorsing former minister Rotimi Amaechi while concerns mount over electoral credibility.
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Nigeria's political landscape is witnessing early positioning for the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and aspirants declaring intentions and securing endorsements more than a year before voters head to the polls.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) South-South zone held a strategic leadership meeting in Benin City over the weekend, where members unanimously endorsed former Rivers State governor and transport minister Rotimi Amaechi for the presidency. "We are pleased and I cannot report that a unanimous decision was taken to give him all the support that he needs in pursuit of his ambition," an ADC official told Vanguard News. The endorsement positions Amaechi ahead of other potential candidates, including Peter Obi, who garnered significant support in the 2023 elections.
The ADC South-South meeting also declared the party's readiness to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) across the region, signaling opposition parties' determination to capitalize on perceived governance shortcomings. The gathering comes as the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) prepares a revised timetable for the 2027 general elections, though specific dates have not been publicly announced.
State-Level Gubernatorial Contests Take Shape
In Ogun State, Senator Iyabo Obasanjo, daughter of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, has formally announced her candidacy for governor, positioning herself to potentially become Nigeria's first female state chief executive. Presenting what she described as a comprehensive blueprint for the state's development, Obasanjo told reporters her "vision is built on economic growth, sustainable development and job creation," according to Vanguard News. Her entry into the race adds a prominent name to what is expected to be a competitive contest in the southwestern state.
In Oyo State, internal political disputes have emerged over zoning arrangements for the governorship. Ẹgbẹ́ Àjọṣepọ̀ Fún Ìtẹsiwájú Gbogbo Wa, an advocacy movement championing the rotation of the governorship to the Oke-Ogun zone, has publicly distanced itself from former deputy governors and the state PDP chairman over disagreements regarding the 2027 gubernatorial position. The dispute highlights the persistent tensions within Nigerian political parties over power-sharing formulas and regional balance, issues that have historically influenced electoral outcomes and party cohesion.
Electoral Credibility Concerns Resurface
As political activities intensify, concerns about electoral integrity have resurfaced. A cleric, Mr. Ekwueme, has called on the federal government to strengthen frameworks for credible elections, warning that public confidence in the electoral process remains fragile. "As we approach the 2027 elections, certain things must change for people to regain confidence in the process," Ekwueme told the Peoples Gazette, echoing widespread criticism of previous electoral exercises in Nigeria.
The 2023 general elections were marred by allegations of irregularities, technical failures with INEC's electronic transmission systems, and voter suppression in various regions. International and domestic observer missions, including those from the European Union and the National Democratic Institute, documented significant procedural lapses that undermined confidence in the results. These concerns have prompted calls for comprehensive electoral reforms before 2027, though legislative progress on such reforms has been limited.
The early commencement of political activities suggests that parties and candidates are taking lessons from the 2023 cycle, where late starts and inadequate preparation disadvantaged some contenders. Opposition parties particularly appear focused on building grassroots structures and securing early endorsements to challenge the ruling APC, which controls the presidency and a majority of state governorships.
Political analysts note that the 2027 elections will test whether Nigeria's democratic institutions have strengthened since 2023 or whether the country will witness a repeat of the controversies that have characterized recent electoral cycles. With INEC yet to release its final timetable and the National Assembly still deliberating electoral reform proposals, the coming months will prove critical in determining the conditions under which the next general elections will be conducted.