IN the lead-up to the 2027 general elections, there has been a wide range of responses to the proposition for a merger of major opposition political parties. The initiative was put forth by former vice president Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, who ran as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the previous presidential election.
While the Labour Party (LP) seems reluctant to entertain the idea, the New Nigerian People’s Party (NNPP) has shown openness to embrace the merger. This move resonates with the success of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2015 election, where the merging of several opposition parties played a pivotal role in Muhammadu Buhari’s victory over then President Goodluck Jonathan.
Atiku is a proponent of the belief that a similar coalition is necessary to unseat the APC in 2027. He has expressed concerns about the gradual transformation of Nigeria’s democracy into a one-party system, warning that failure to challenge this trend would have dire consequences for the nation’s democratic future.
Agreeing with Atiku’s stance, Abuja-based communication strategist Murkthar Suleiman emphasized the potential of a stronger opposition merger to pose a significant challenge to the dominance of the APC, particularly highlighting the impact of a robust opposition in keeping the ruling party accountable.
However, the feasibility of a successful opposition merger has come under scrutiny due to potential self-interest among likely candidates. Some key figures, such as LP’s presidential candidate Peter Obi and NNPP’s Rabiu Kwankwaso, had previously rejected merger overtures from the PDP’s Atiku Abubakar, leading to concerns about the ability of the opposition to present a united front.
Suleiman also raised important considerations such as determining the flagbearer, selecting a running mate, and deciding on the name of the merged party, emphasizing the need for strategic and practical decision-making to effectively challenge the incumbent party.
In contrast, an Abuja-based lawyer and rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, criticized Atiku’s merger call as driven by selfish motives and voiced doubts about its viability in the face of potential interference from influential figures like Tinubu, who could work to undermine opposition unity.
Adeyanju pointed out the need for Atiku to step back from active politics to lend credibility to his merger proposition, suggesting that the opposition had previously missed the opportunity to unite in the face of divisive individual agendas.
In light of these contrasting perspectives and potential obstacles, the prospect of a successful opposition merger prior to the 2027 presidential election remains uncertain. The different viewpoints underscore the complexity and challenges inherent in the endeavor.
