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A media aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has urged opposition leaders, including Peter Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, to set aside their differences and unite ahead of the 2027 general elections following a court ruling affecting the registration of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). The call came after a Federal High Court in Lokoja set aside an earlier judgment that had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to register the NDC as a political party.
Reacting to the judgment, Atiku’s spokesman, Paul Ibe, described the ruling as a wake-up call for opposition forces seeking to challenge the ruling APC in 2027. He argued that despite the legal setback, there was still sufficient time for opposition leaders to harmonise their strengths and build a formidable coalition capable of mounting a serious electoral challenge. Ibe specifically mentioned Obi, Kwankwaso, and other opposition figures as key personalities who could play central roles in a united political front.
The court decision has triggered mixed reactions within the opposition camp. While the NDC leadership rejected the ruling and vowed to appeal, insisting that the judgment would not derail the party’s plans, Obi also criticised the verdict, describing it as another setback for Nigeria’s democratic development. His aides confirmed that the party’s legal team is studying the judgment and preparing appropriate legal responses.
The development adds a new dimension to the growing political maneuvering ahead of the 2027 elections. Analysts believe that continued fragmentation among opposition parties could benefit the ruling APC, while a broad coalition involving major opposition figures could significantly reshape the electoral landscape. With legal battles over party registrations and alliances continuing to unfold, attention is now focused on whether opposition leaders can overcome political rivalries and form a united platform before the next presidential contest.
