Senator Ali Ndume, who represents Borno South, has expressed confidence that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) will retain power in Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, despite growing efforts by opposition figures to form a united front.
Speaking during an interview on the television programme Politics Today on Channels Television, Ndume argued that the opposition has yet to present a compelling or unified alternative capable of unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
According to the senator, opposition figures associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi, have not introduced new ideas or a clear policy direction that distinguishes them from the current administration.
“I am not worried because nobody is coming up with something new. Everybody is talking about it is either Bola Ahmed Tinubu or Atiku or Amaechi or Peter Obi. I don’t see anything that they put on the table,” Ndume said.
He further noted that while the opposition boasts strong political personalities, internal divisions and a lack of cohesion have limited their effectiveness. Ndume suggested that many opposition actors appear more focused on personal political ambitions than building a united platform capable of mounting a serious challenge.
“The man holding the steering now is Tinubu, but those that are trying to take over, and the ADC itself, every day it’s here and there. Initially, I had a lot of confidence, but when you find people concentrating on themselves for the power they can get, it’s not a big deal,” he added.
Despite his confidence in the APC’s position, Ndume cautioned against underestimating the opposition, drawing parallels with the political landscape that preceded the APC’s rise to power in 2015. He recalled how the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) initially dismissed the APC before eventually losing power.
“Up till now, despite the fact that they have strong personalities, they have not been able to actually put their house in order. But you can’t underrate any opposition, no matter how small,” he said, noting that political dynamics can shift unexpectedly.
Ndume emphasized the importance of a vibrant opposition in strengthening Nigeria’s democratic system but maintained that the ruling party remains well positioned ahead of the next election cycle.
When asked whether Nigerians should consider voting out President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027, Ndume said the decision ultimately rests with the electorate. However, he argued that the administration has made progress, even though some achievements have been overshadowed by pressing national challenges.
He identified insecurity, electricity supply, and the general welfare of citizens as critical areas that the government must urgently address to regain stronger public support. According to him, improvements in these sectors could significantly influence voter sentiment.
“As I said, our problem is the security and welfare of the people, and then keeping up with some of those things and getting them right. Some of the policies that the government put in place, if they start yielding results, Nigerians will be happy about it,” Ndume stated.
He also expressed confidence in the resilience and forgiving nature of Nigerian voters, suggesting that tangible improvements in governance could restore public trust.
“One good thing about Nigerians is that they are forgiving; if you offend them and you ask for forgiveness or things turn around, they will put it behind,” he added.
Ndume concluded by reiterating that while not all Nigerians are satisfied with the current administration, the opposition has yet to pose a significant threat. “I will not say Nigerians are happy with all that we are doing, but at the same time, I cannot say the opposition is a threat because we are all one, all the same politicians,” he said.
The comments come at a time of shifting political alliances, as the African Democratic Congress emerges as a potential coalition platform for opposition leaders amid ongoing internal challenges within the Peoples Democratic Party. Analysts say the coming months will be critical in determining whether the opposition can consolidate its position ahead of the 2027 elections.
