Opposition must unite or surrender, by Ochereome Nnanna

The article discusses the challenges faced by opposition parties in Nigeria as they prepare for the 2027 presidential election against the incumbent president, Bola Tinubu. Historically, attempts by opposition parties to unite and defeat a sitting president have often failed. Notably, while the All Progressives Congress (APC) successfully unseated an incumbent in 2015, the current opposition lacks the same level of unity and commitment. The article highlights that the APC, under Tinubu, controls a significant number of states and has a strong political structure, making it difficult for the opposition to mount a serious challenge. Currently, the opposition can only rely on one governor, Seyi Makinde, who has shown inconsistency in his political alliances. It suggests that for the opposition to succeed, they need to unite and prioritize the country's needs over their individual ambitions. A key point made is that Atiku Abubakar, a prominent opposition figure, should consider stepping aside for Peter Obi, who is seen as more popular among voters. The article concludes by emphasizing that even with a united front, the opposition faces a tough battle due to Tinubu's political strength and resources. The situation remains complex, and significant changes could occur if the opposition can effectively rally public support against the ruling party's record.

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