With early coalition talks gathering momentum across Nigeria’s opposition landscape, political parties are exploring strategic alliances and regional power-sharing deals in a bid to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
- +Opposition moves to unite against Tinubu ahead of 2027
Nigeria’s opposition political parties have intensified moves to form a mega coalition ahead of the 2027 polls, in what could become the most coordinated attempt yet to dislodge the APC from power.
Nigeria’s opposition political parties have intensified moves to form a mega coalition ahead of the 2027 polls, in what could become the most coordinated attempt yet to dislodge the APC from power. The coalition talks, already drawing interest from several political blocs, are focused on unifying opposition forces, negotiating regional alliances and consolidating electoral strength ahead of the next presidential election.
The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), Yusuf Dantalle, said discussions among opposition parties were ongoing despite preparations already underway for party primaries and candidate nominations. Speaking during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Dantalle explained that negotiations and strategic alliances could continue even after presidential candidates emerge.
According to him, Nigeria’s political structure allows parties to negotiate support arrangements based on regional influence and electoral strength as the 2027 race gradually gathers momentum.
“I don’t know what will happen, but Nigerians will decide what will happen at the end of the day,” Dantalle said.
“All the political parties are in the process of nominating their candidates. Until the flag bearers of each political party are out, there could be discussions among the parties.”
He noted that opposition blocs could eventually strike state-by-state agreements aimed at consolidating votes against the APC.
“We will get to a point where maybe in State A you have your stronghold and State B is my stronghold. We can go into discussions that I will support your candidate in this state and you support mine in another state,” he stated, adding that such political arrangements were common in coalition-building efforts.
The comments come amid growing speculation over possible alignments among leading opposition figures and parties ahead of the next presidential election. Political consultations have intensified in recent months as parties seek ways to strengthen their chances against the APC, which retained power in the 2023 elections.
Dantalle also revealed that the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) currently maintain a working relationship in parts of the country, including Oyo State.
“There was an understanding between the APM and the PDP in Oyo State, not just in Oyo State, across the country,” he said.
When asked whether both parties were already operating in alliance, Dantalle replied, “Exactly, yes. We are working together.”
He further claimed that Seyi Makinde had joined the APM and was pursuing a presidential ambition on the platform of the party, although he acknowledged the governor’s longstanding ties with the PDP.
“He became a two-time governor on the platform of PDP, and it would be unfair to just flip off the party that made you,” Dantalle added.
