2027 Election: Opposition Parties Plan Mega Coalition to Unseat Tinubu

Opposition political parties are intensifying talks ahead of the 2027 general elections as efforts continue to build a broad coalition capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

The National Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council, IPAC, Yusuf Dantalle, said political parties were still exploring alliances and strategic partnerships despite preparations already underway for party primaries and candidate nominations.

Dantalle spoke during an appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, where he explained that negotiations among opposition parties could continue even after presidential candidates emerge.

According to him, Nigeria’s political environment allows parties to hold discussions and strike agreements based on political interests and regional strengths ahead of the election.

“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 parties could negotiate support arrangements across states where each political bloc enjoys electoral advantage.

“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.

“Such discussions are possible.”

His comments come amid growing conversations within opposition circles over the possibility of forming a mega coalition to challenge the APC in the next presidential election.

There have been increasing speculations over possible alignments among major opposition figures and parties as political actors begin early consultations ahead of 2027.

Dantalle also disclosed that the Allied Peoples Movement, APM, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, currently maintain a working relationship across parts of the country.

“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 if both parties were already operating in alliance, he replied, “Exactly, yes. We are working together.”

The IPAC chairman further claimed that Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde had joined the APM and was pursuing presidential ambition on the platform of the party.

“As far as I know, Governor Seyi Makinde is a member of the Allied People’s Movement and is also vying for the office of the president on the platform of the APM,” Dantalle said.

He, however, acknowledged Makinde’s continued relationship with the PDP, noting that the governor’s political rise was closely tied to the opposition party.

“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,” he added.

On electoral matters, Dantalle called on the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to open discussions with political parties over the implementation of a recent court judgment affecting electoral guidelines and party primaries.

He warned against unnecessary legal battles capable of creating tension within the political system ahead of the elections.

“We don’t want to heat up the polity, but the right thing must also be seen to be done,” he stated.

According to him, both INEC and political parties must work together to resolve operational concerns connected to the Electoral Act and the conduct of party primaries before the next general election.