Top Politicians Reportedly Plotting to Challenge Tinubu in 2027

Nigeria’s political climate is becoming more heated in anticipation of the 2027 presidential election as the country struggles with inflation and economic turmoil.
After taking office in 2023, President Bola Tinubu is already facing growing resistance from a wide range of powerful political figures who want to thwart his ambition for reelection.
As popular discontent and worries about policy shortcomings increase, the president’s detractors are organizing to collectively oppose his bid for a second term.

Tinubu is believed to be advancing anti-people policies, neglecting to alleviate economic hardship, and advancing the nation’s transition to a one-party state.

Prominent politicians that are opposing Tinubu’s reelection campaign include the following:
Peter Obi

Having declared his intention to run for president again in 2027, Peter Obi was the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate. Obi has continued to speak out about his intention to change Nigeria’s political system and has been looking at possible coalitions.

In order to put up a strong fight against Tinubu in the next elections, Obi teamed up with other well-known politicians in March, including as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai.

According to reports, Obi would be amenable to running as Atiku’s vice president in a one-term power-sharing deal, though neither party has yet acknowledged the plan.

Abubakar, Atiku

There are no indications that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who ran for office in 2023 with the PDP, will leave politics. Atiku is a key member of the new opposition alliance that aims to unseat Tinubu in 2027, just like Obi.

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Rumors of a strategic pact to pool opposition votes have been stoked by Atiku’s alleged proposal for a one-term presidency with Obi as his running mate. When the alliance was announced in March, there was a lot of discussion about whether it could bring the opposition together and pose a threat to the ruling party.

Makinde, Seyi

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has not ruled out running for president himself. Despite stressing that any decision to run for office will be dependent on the desires of Nigerians and his party, Makinde boldly declared in April that he is capable of leading Nigeria.

“I have no doubt that I am capable of holding the highest office in this country,” Makinde said, “but is what I want to do now what Nigerians are requesting?”

Because of his increasing power within the PDP, a support group called the Brave New Vision Support Group has started to advocate for him. “To Move Nigeria Forward 2027” campaign posters have begun to appear in strategic spots around Kano State.

El-Rufai, Nasir

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai has been one of the most vocal opponents of Tinubu’s government. In order to confront the president in 2027, El-Rufai has acknowledged that talks are still underway to build a strong opposition coalition.

El-Rufai recently declared, “Anyone who believes that President Bola Tinubu can be re-elected is not in Nigeria; they are in another country. In my opinion, he has no chance, regardless of how disorganized the opposition is. The political and economic climate in the nation has severely damaged Tinubu’s base of support, according to El-Rufai.

Lawal, Babachir

Former Government of the Federation Secretary Babachir Lawal has become another well-known figure in the anti-Tinubu movement. Lawal is a prominent player in the 2027 election strategy and is actively participating in coalition negotiations.

Amaechi Rotimi and Liyel Imoke

Liyel Imoke of Cross River State and Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State, both former governors, are also key players in the anti-Tinubu movement.

A committee led by Amaechi is tasked with creating a new party, and another group led by Imoke is looking at developing partnerships with already-existing political groups. As the 2027 elections get near, their contributions are essential in establishing the coalition’s agenda.
Nwosu, Ralph

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) National Chairman Ralph Nwosu has vehemently disagreed with the notion that Tinubu will be unbeatable in 2027. Nwosu highlighted the general discontent in the nation in a recent interview, stating, “The country is being consumed by poverty and insecurity brought on by poor governance. The APC governments have utterly failed. As a party, the APC is delusional. “Either we get the citizens to sweep themselves out with their broom,” he continued.