The road to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is already getting intense, and the political temperature has risen even higher.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), the opposition party flying Peter Obi as its presidential candidate with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso as his running mate, has postponed its highly anticipated Presidential Campaign Council inauguration. The event, which was scheduled for Tuesday, October 20, will now hold on Monday, October 26. In a statement released by its National Publicity Secretary, the party explained that the shift was due to Obi’s tight schedule and an important overseas engagement. The inauguration was expected to feature the presentation of certificates of return to candidates and a strategic dinner to strengthen unity ahead of the polls. The party apologized for the inconvenience and urged supporters to stay focused on the mission to build a new Nigeria.
In a related development, the NDC also announced the withdrawal of recognition for all its diaspora chapters. The party cited a judgment of the FCT High Court in Maitama in Suit No CV/187/2025, Ali Alao v APC & Anor, which held that political parties do not have the legal authority to establish or operate chapters outside the country. The party said all previous recognitions have been withdrawn and the matter has been referred to its Legal Department for harmonization.
Meanwhile, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has given political parties until October 24 to report cases of candidates wrongly omitted from the final list for the 2027 governorship elections. The directive follows the Supreme Court’s affirmation that parties must comply with Section 32(2) of the Electoral Act 2026, including submission of membership registers. Several notable names, including PDP candidates in Ogun and Gombe and the NDC candidate in Kano, were missing from the final list, sparking fresh controversy.
Elsewhere in Abuja, words has erupted between the Presidency and Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, over an alleged N250 billion NLNG dividend windfall. Makinde claimed the Federal Government was withholding the funds meant for states, a claim the Presidency has firmly dismissed as false and misleading. Adding to the drama, President Bola Tinubu, during the inauguration of the APC Presidential Campaign Council on October 14, disclosed that he would not join the full nationwide campaign trail in order to focus on governance. The statement has drawn sharp reactions from opposition figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the Obi camp, who argue that a presidential campaign cannot be run by proxy.
With INEC deadlines ticking, parties reshuffling their structures, and heavyweight accusations flying, one thing is clear: the 2027 contest has officially begun and the road to Nigeria’s 2027 general elections is already getting intense.
With INEC deadlines ticking, parties reshuffling their structures, and heavyweight accusations flying, one thing is clear: the 2027 contest has officially begun.
