2027 Elections: Opposition Parties in Turmoil as PDP, LP, NNPP Crises Deepen
The disarray among Nigeria's leading opposition parties continues to dampen morale and severely limit options for the electorate as the 2027 general elections approach. Despite politicians' confident posturing, factions within these parties are embroiled in court battles, diverting attention from the need for a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). With the deadline for candidate submissions to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) looming next month, these internal conflicts threaten to undermine democratic competition.
PDP Factions Clash Over Leadership and Coalition Talks
In the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Tanimu Turaki-led faction has urged members to remain hopeful as the Supreme Court prepares to hear a crucial leadership dispute on April 22, 2026. This follows an appeal challenging a Court of Appeal ruling that nullified the party's November 2025 Ibadan National Convention, which produced Turaki's executives. The FCT Minister-backed PDP had previously challenged the convention's legality and prevailed in lower courts.
National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong stated that the PDP leadership is optimistic the Supreme Court will deliver judgments safeguarding Nigeria's democracy and preventing a one-party state. Meanwhile, the Abdulrahman Muhammed-led PDP declared at its National Working Committee inaugural meeting that the party is not engaged in any coalition or merger talks, dismissing speculations about alliances with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) or others as unfounded.
Muhammed emphasized the PDP's unity and readiness to reclaim power, noting that INEC has formally recognized and uploaded the names of the party's national officers. He criticized Turaki for suggesting ongoing coalition discussions, calling such claims deliberate misinformation aimed at undermining the party.
Labour Party Warns INEC Against Fresh Congresses
The Labour Party (LP) faces its own internal wrangling, with the Forum of Duly Elected State Chairmen, led by Julius Abure, warning INEC against monitoring or recognizing fresh state congresses by a faction. In a communiqué signed by Secretary Abdurrahim Imam Chindo, the forum described such moves as institutional sabotage without legal foundation.
They highlighted that valid state congresses were conducted and monitored by INEC on December 6, 2025, in compliance with the Electoral Act 2022, and any attempt to recognize parallel congresses would destabilize the party and erode public confidence. The communiqué was copied to national and international stakeholders, including the President and UN missions.
NNPP Demands INEC Compliance with Court Judgment
The New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) has written to INEC, demanding immediate compliance with a High Court judgment delivered on March 17, 2026, regarding leadership recognition. The party expressed dissatisfaction over INEC's refusal to obey the court order, which mandated compliance within 72 hours.
In a letter dated April 14, 2026, NNPP's lawyers, Lex Firma LP, raised concerns about INEC's apparent recognition of individuals who have defected to the ADC, such as Dr. Ajuji Ahmed and Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, while withholding recognition from the authentic NNPP leadership. The party warned that continued delay could disenfranchise supporters as electoral activities approach a critical stage.
National Democratic Congress Expands Mobilization Efforts
Amid the crises in established parties, the newly registered National Democratic Congress (NDC) has intensified engagements with political stakeholders to expand its membership base. The party reported growing engagement from defectors, aspirants, and emerging structures across states like Gombe, Nasarawa, and the Federal Capital Territory.
In Gombe, a high-level delegation led by National Vice Chairman Dr. Danlami Arabs and National Women Leader Mrs. Dudu Manuga held strategic consultations. In Nasarawa, former APC members, including Hon. Dogo Shammah, joined the NDC, boosting its structure. The party also engaged young members in the FCT, with House of Representatives aspirant Hon. Jesse Williams Ejemot reaffirming alignment with its vision.
In Imo State, the NDC activated a grassroots expansion drive, launching an aggressive digital membership registration exercise that requires National Identification Number (NIN) or voter's card for verification. State Chairman Reginald Uwakwe announced targets of 300 registered members per ward and created committees to strengthen coordination.
The NDC reiterated its open-door philosophy, positioning itself as an emerging political force in Nigeria's evolving democratic landscape, while the ongoing crises in PDP, LP, and NNPP highlight the challenges facing opposition unity ahead of the 2027 elections.
