The race to determine Nigeria’s president for the 2027 election has gained significant momentum, with prominent politicians seeking to displace the current president, Bola Tinubu, Thepapers.ng reports.
This move to unseat the incumbent is largely attributed to his stringent administrative policies, which many Nigerians have identified as major contributors to the prevailing hardships within the country.
There’s been a lot of chatter about the potential for political parties to merge forces to better challenge the formidable incumbent president. Some technocrats argue that he is indeed the right leader to guide the country toward its long-awaited goals, especially after numerous politicians have made their bids across various regions of the nation.
Opposition political leaders, including dissatisfied members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), have initiated discussions to establish an alternative political platform to defeat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections. Recently, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been accused of conspiring to unseat President Tinubu.
Also, the immediate past APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Dr Salihu Lukman, urged Nigerians to rise to the occasion by making the defeat of the APC and President Tinubu a reality in 2027. He also emphasized the importance of electing truly democratic leaders rather than authoritarian figures.
Lukman, who resigned from the APC last year, did not disclose the names of opposition figures involved in discussions to establish a new political party.
Thepaper.ng examines a selection of individuals who have expressed a willingness to undertake efforts aimed at challenging the incumbent president in the 2027 election. Below is a list of some names.
1. Nasir El-Rufai
2. Rotimi Amaechi
3. Bukola Saraki
4. Rauf Aregbesola
5. Rabiu Kwankwaso
6. Kayode Fayemi,
7. Atiku Abubarka
8. Sule Lamido
9. Ahmed Makarfi
10. Ibrahim Shekarau
11. Murtala Nyako
12. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu
13. Peter Obi
14. Bala Mohammed
15. Seyi Makinde
16. Olusegun Obasanjo
17. Dr Salihu Lukman
18. Abubakar Malami
19. Adamu Abdullahi
20. Babachir Lawal
In the above list, it’s clear that President Tinubu has significant challenges ahead in navigating his political strategies if he aims to secure his position through the 2027 elections.
However, internal sources from the All Progressives Congress (APC) maintain a steadfast confidence in Tinubu’s strength.
They assert that, regardless of the political clout, social standing, or extensive experience that the individuals listed possess, none can undermine the formidable influence of Tinubu, often referred to as Jagaban. This unwavering belief emphasises his enduring prominence and strategic prowess within Nigeria’s political landscape.
The usual suspects are back at the drawing board, forming coalitions and rekindling old alliances—all with one goal: to dethrone the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
What makes this political maneuvering even more intriguing is the involvement of some of Tinubu’s former allies, now seemingly bent on cutting ties and changing the narrative.