2027: Opposition’s battle for space

Within a week, Nigeria's opposition political parties have faced numerous challenges in their quest for the 2027 general elections. Encountering harassment, suppression, and intimidation, opposition candidates have struggled to conduct their campaign efforts as they wish. Out of Nigeria's 36 states, 31 are controlled by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while two of the five opposition governors have been included in the presidential campaign council of the party.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate's convoy was attacked in Cross Rivers State, while the African Democratic Congress (ADC) rally in Sokoto was met with opposition. Furthermore, in Edo and Plateau States, opposition candidates' billboards were removed. A Federal High Court in Abuja nullified the ADC's nomination processes, deeming their candidates' selection illegal and unlawful.

The APC's National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, dismissed allegations of collusion with the judiciary, maintaining that court decisions against the opposition are merely internal disputes among ADC members. However, the absence of a response from the APC and the inability to reach the President's Special Adviser on Information has left questions unanswered.

Meanwhile, the African Action Congress (AAC) has urged opposition parties to consider a collective boycott of the 2027 polls if government and security agencies do not ensure equal protection and safety for all participants.