Nigeria's Opposition Parties Clash Over ADC Primary Rigging and 2027 Election Prospects

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Nyesom Wike alleges that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential primary was pre‑arranged to deliver former Vice‑President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s flag‑bearer, claiming the leadership structure was designed for Atiku’s win. Former SGF Babachir Lawal resigned from the ADC, calling the May 2026 primary “massively rigged” and accusing Atiku of engineering the results. Former Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, after losing the ADC primary, defended his record, saying he does not steal public funds and describing himself as “the simplest politician” in Nigeria. ADC aspirant Mohammed Hayatu‑Deen announced he will not challenge the primary outcome in court, urging party unity. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) disowned circulating social‑media primaries results and summoned its National Executive Council to certify official outcomes. Presidential candidate Peter Obi warned that insecurity, including recent kidnappings in Borno and Oyo, is worsening while politicians focus on electioneering. Former Ekiti governor Ayodele Fayose asserted that President Bola Tinubu will win the 2027 poll easily, blaming a fragmented opposition. Atiku responded to Wike’s claim that he would receive less than 10 % of the vote in Rivers State, stating that voters are independent. Wike also mocked opposition figures Atiku, Obi and Rabiu Kawankwaso, accusing them of hypocrisy over internal party disputes. Together, these statements reflect deep fractures and accusations of manipulation within Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general election.