As Nigerians continue to struggle with inflation and a rising cost of living, the political scene is getting hotter ahead of the 2027 presidential election. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who assumed office in 2023, now faces strong opposition from influential politicians aiming to stop his bid for a second term.

Across the country, there is growing dissatisfaction among the public about the current administration’s handling of the economy and governance. Many critics accuse President Tinubu’s government of failing to ease the economic hardship faced by millions of Nigerians. They also say his policies are “anti-people” and fear he might push Nigeria toward a one-party system.

Repoters Online gathered information on some of the prominent politicians and groups positioning themselves to challenge Tinubu’s re-election:

Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s candidate in the 2023 presidential election, has made it clear that he wants to run again in 2027. Obi remains vocal about his determination to change Nigeria’s political system. Recently, he joined forces with other leading politicians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai. Together, they formed a coalition aimed at mounting a strong challenge against Tinubu.

There have also been reports that Obi might accept the position of vice president under Atiku Abubakar in a one-term power-sharing agreement, though both camps have not confirmed this officially.

Atiku Abubakar, who contested for president under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in 2023, has not stepped back from politics. Like Obi, he supports the coalition created to unseat President Tinubu. Atiku has reportedly suggested a one-term presidency with Obi as his running mate to unite opposition voters. This announcement sparked debates across political circles about whether the coalition will be effective.

Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has also hinted at his own presidential ambitions. In April, Makinde said he believes he has what it takes to lead Nigeria but stressed that his decision to run would depend on the wishes of Nigerians and his party. “I don’t have any doubt that I have the capacity to occupy the highest office in this land… but what I want to do right now is, is it what Nigerians are asking for?” Makinde said.

Makinde’s rising popularity within the PDP has led a support group called Brave New Vision Support Group to campaign for him. They have already put up campaign posters with the slogan “To Move Nigeria Forward 2027” in parts of Kano State.

Nasir El-Rufai, former governor of Kaduna State, has been one of the most vocal critics of Tinubu’s government. In May, El-Rufai confirmed ongoing talks about forming a strong opposition alliance to defeat Tinubu in 2027. He declared, “Anybody that thinks it is possible for President Bola Tinubu to get re-elected is living in another country, not Nigeria… I don’t see a pathway for him, no matter how disorganized the opposition is.” He blamed the country’s worsening economic and political situation for Tinubu’s declining support.

Babachir Lawal, the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, is also actively involved in the coalition talks and is reportedly playing a key role in shaping strategies for 2027.

Additionally, former governors Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers State) and Liyel Imoke (Cross River State) are major figures in the anti-Tinubu coalition. Amaechi heads the committee responsible for party registration, while Imoke leads efforts to explore alliances with existing political parties or form new ones.

Ralph Okey Nwosu, National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), recently criticized the belief that Tinubu is unbeatable in 2027. Nwosu said Nigerians from Lagos to Port Harcourt, Kano, Uyo, and Sokoto are united by hunger and insecurity — problems he attributes to Tinubu’s leadership. “Poverty and insecurity caused by bad government are devouring the nation. The APC governments have failed woefully. The APC is in delusion. They will sweep themselves out with their broom, or we get the citizens to do so,” he warned.

As the 2027 election draws closer, these political dynamics show that the race for Nigeria’s highest office will be fiercely contested. Many Nigerians will be watching closely to see if the opposition coalition can successfully challenge the incumbent president.