According to report by Vanguard on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, opposition parties in Nigeria are facing significant internal divisions as they conclude primaries for the 2027 presidential election, weakening efforts to unseat President Bola Tinubu of the APC.
Many parties are now entangled in factional disputes producing rival candidates and parallel leadership structures.
Major opposition groups including the PDP, ADC and SDP are particularly affected, each presenting competing presidential aspirants.
Only a few parties, such as the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Accord, have maintained relative unity by fielding single, consensus candidates ahead of the polls.
In the ADC presidential contest, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi and Mohammed Hayattu-Deen participated in a nationwide primary conducted across wards, with results awaiting collation.
However, a rival faction loyal to Dumebi Kachikwu separately announced him as candidate, intensifying the party’s internal crisis.
The PDP is also divided, with one faction led by Kabiru Turaki backing former President Goodluck Jonathan as sole aspirant, while another aligned with Nyesom Wike supports Senator Sandy Onor.
Oyo Governor Seyi Makinde is also active through an alliance arrangement. Both camps continue to claim legitimacy following disputes over a Supreme Court ruling.
The Peoples Redemption Party is finalizing its primary between former Cross River governor Donald Duke and two other aspirants.
Meanwhile, the Labour Party will choose its presidential flag bearer on May 29 between Dr Peter Agada and businessman Samuel Nwigwe also.
During ADC voting held across 8,809 wards using the Option A4 system, Atiku Abubakar and Rotimi Amaechi participated in Adamawa and Rivers States.
The exercise allowed delegates to line up behind preferred candidates. Several state chapters endorsed Atiku, who described the election as transparent and a demonstration of democratic practice.
The nationwide primary is part of efforts to select a flag bearer amid ongoing leadership disputes within the party…..See More
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