2027: Opposition must unite or risk defeat, says Hayatu-Deen

A presidential aspirant of the African Democratic Congress, Mohammed Hayatu-Deen, has called on opposition leaders to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that continued fragmentation could undermine their ability to present a credible alternative to the ruling party.

He made the call on Saturday at a national opposition summit in Ibadan, Oyo State, hosted by Governor Seyi Makinde.

The remarks were contained in a statement issued by the Media Office of his campaign organisation.

The meeting brought together key political figures across party lines to discuss Nigeria’s political and socio-economic challenges ahead of the next election cycle.

The ADC aspirant said the country’s worsening security situation, economic hardship and what he described as a shrinking democratic space required a coordinated national response rather than isolated efforts by individual politicians or parties.

He told participants that Nigeria was approaching a critical turning point.

“Nigeria is at a defining moment. The deepening insecurity, the crushing cost of living and the steady erosion of democratic space demand a collective response.

“This is not about personal ambition, it is about national rescue,” he said.

He cautioned that if opposition parties continued to operate in isolation, they risked strengthening the political status quo and leaving citizens to bear the consequences of deepening hardship.

According to the statement, Hayatu-Deen warned that fragmentation within the opposition would only prolong the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.

He urged political actors to move beyond statements of intent and begin to demonstrate what he called “real sacrifice, collaboration and shared national purpose.”

He argued that the 2027 elections represented a major opportunity to redirect the country’s trajectory, but only if opposition leaders were willing to put national interest above party loyalty and personal ambition.

“Nigerians are looking for leadership that is empathetic, unifying and capable of delivering real change.

“That responsibility rests on all of us in the opposition to come together and rise to the occasion,” he added.

Reaffirming his position within the ADC, Hayatu-Deen said he remained committed to working with party stakeholders and other political actors to build a broad coalition aimed at improving security, stabilising the economy and restoring confidence in democratic governance.

The statement added that Hayatu-Deen also held consultations with key organisers of the summit, including Professor Jerry Gana of the Peoples Democratic Party and Kashim Imam.

Among those present at the summit were Makinde, who hosted the gathering; former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi; and former Minister of Transportation, Rotimi Amaechi.