The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has raised a serious alarm, accusing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of collaborating in a calculated scheme to undermine major opposition parties. The group claims the aim is to smooth the path for President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid in the 2027 presidential poll.
INEC's PDP Stance Called a 'Sinister Plot'
This accusation stems from INEC's recent refusal to recognize the Tanimu Turaki-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). INEC cited pending court cases, but HURIWA finds this reasoning dubious. The pro-democracy group pointed out the irony that the same electoral body monitored the PDP's national convention in Ibadan which produced the Turaki executive.
HURIWA's National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, stated that INEC is allowing itself to be used as a tool by the presidency, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and Minister Wike to demolish political opposition. The group described the development as a well-arranged and dangerous plot specifically designed to cripple the PDP and prevent it from presenting a strong candidate to challenge Tinubu in 2027.
Furthermore, HURIWA has called for an urgent investigation into allegations made by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, who claimed that Minister Wike is actively executing a plan to destroy the PDP. The rights group also issued a direct caution to President Tinubu, urging him to halt what it termed an active agenda to weaken constructive and independent opposition parties in Nigeria.
Defections and the One-Party State Debate
Amidst these heavy allegations, the political landscape has been shaken by a wave of high-profile defections from opposition parties to the APC. Recently, Governors Sheriff Oborevwori (Delta), Douye Diri (Bayelsa), Peter Mbah (Enugu), Umo Eno (Akwa Ibom), and Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau) switched allegiance. Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, is also expected to formally defect in January 2026.
The APC's ranks have also swelled in the National Assembly, granting the party more than a two-thirds majority in both chambers. This consolidation of power has sparked concerns about Nigeria drifting towards a one-party state.
However, Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has dismissed these fears. Speaking with journalists, Sule argued that such concerns are historically unfounded. He recalled that during the PDP's dominance around 2013-2014, the party controlled about 29 states and the federal government, yet Nigeria did not become a one-party state.
"We are not drifting into a one-party state," Sule insisted. "A one-party system is incompatible with democratic ideals... no political party, including the APC, has an interest in undermining Nigeria’s multi-party democracy." He reassured the people of Nasarawa of his continued focus on governance and public service.
SDP's Stance on Coalition Building for 2027
As opposition figures discuss possible alliances to present a unified front ahead of the 2027 elections, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has laid down strict conditions. The party's 2023 presidential candidate, Adewole Adebayo, declared that any future coalition involving the SDP would only be with individuals of proven integrity.
Adebayo, who signaled his interest in contesting the 2027 election, explicitly ruled out partnerships with what he called "questionable characters" and "unemployed politicians." He warned that such alliances would be dangerous for both the party and the nation.
Speaking from his home in Ondo City, Adebayo revealed that his dissatisfaction with the Tinubu administration does not automatically translate into an alliance with any alternative. He disclosed implementing a rigorous vetting process, personally interviewing potential coalition partners and turning away many aspirants deemed unfit to lead.
"The fact that I don’t like Tinubu does not make me accept those things that I don’t like him for from others," Adebayo stated. "We are trying to ensure that people don’t capitalise on the obviously bad performance of the government... What we are trying to do is find a common purpose that has meaning in the life of ordinary Nigerians."
The political atmosphere is thus charged with accusations of subterfuge, significant realignments, and strategic positioning as the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins in earnest.
