The opposition has split into PDP, ADC, NDC, etc., and nobody knows if Wike is with APC or PDP—Sani

According to a report by Leadership News, on Sunday, August 16, 2026, Anthony Sani, former Secretary General of the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF), shared his views on Nigeria’s political situation, the 2027 general elections, the opposition and preparations for the next presidential contest.

Speaking on the expected outcome of the 2027 elections, Sani said he believes the election will come and go, especially as Nigerian voters are becoming more politically aware and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is expected to have gained more experience from previous elections.

However, he expressed concern about the approach being taken by opposition political parties.

According to him, the opposition has not done enough to present clear issues and alternative policies that would enable Nigerians to make informed choices when they vote.

Sani noted that much of the opposition’s attention has been focused on the hardship Nigerians experienced following the removal of the fuel subsidy and the floating of the naira.

He argued that instead of simply criticising these policies, opposition parties should explain what they would do differently if given the opportunity to govern.

He pointed out that the three major presidential candidates in the 2023 election had all spoken about removing the fuel subsidy before the election.

Bola Tinubu received about eight million votes, Atiku Abubakar secured around seven million, while Peter Obi received approximately six million votes. Sani said this showed that voters supported candidates who had accepted the need for subsidy removal.

He therefore argued that opposition parties should by now have developed convincing alternatives and clear strategies capable of winning the confidence of voters.

Rather than focusing mainly on complaints about the current economic situation, he said the opposition should be presenting practical solutions to the challenges facing the country.

Sani also observed that many of the leading opposition figures are familiar faces who have been involved in Nigerian politics for many years.

In his view, changing political platforms without introducing fresh ideas may not be enough to convince voters.

On the credibility of the 2023 general elections, Sani described the polls as relatively credible, free and fair.

He noted that the results demonstrated that the ruling APC could lose in areas where it was previously considered strong.

He cited Lagos and Katsina as examples and also pointed out that the APC performed poorly in most parts of the South-East.

When asked about the possibility of a run-off in the 2027 presidential election, Sani said he did not expect one.

He explained that the political situation appears to be following a pattern similar to what happened in 2023, when divisions among opposition parties created an opportunity for Tinubu.

He recalled that the opposition was divided among the PDP, Labour Party, NNPP and the G5 group led by Nyesom Wike during the 2023 election. According to him, a similar division is emerging ahead of 2027.

He said, "Currently, the opposition has split into factions of PDP, ADC, NDC, etc. And nobody knows whether Wike is with the APC or the PDP."

Sani's comments suggest that he considers the division within opposition ranks one of the major factors that could shape the 2027 presidential election.

He also stressed the importance of presenting voters with clear issues, practical alternatives and credible political choices as the country moves closer to the next general election.