Why Tinubu is turning to opposition figures in 2027 re-election bid

President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign is reaching beyond the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the party enlists opposition figures to help build a winning coalition for the 2027 presidential election.

PDP member and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke of the Accord Party and Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo of APGA are named coordinators in the expanded campaign council. Wike will coordinate Rivers and the FCT.

The move comes amid public discontent over economic hardship and security concerns, with the opposition yet to consolidate into a common front. The appointees’ influence and local structures could help in states where the APC cannot rely on its own machinery.

Wike said on Tuesday: “My thinking is that the president, in his wisdom, said there are those who are not members of our political parties but have something to offer to his re-election, and it’s proper to accommodate them.”

Some APC state chapters have questioned the arrangement, insisting committed supporters should formally join the party. APGA said Soludo’s inclusion reflects its position that Tinubu should be supported while it keeps its own identity.

The revised list also makes Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and Kwara Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq deputy vice-chairmen, and adds 14 advisers.

Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Peter Obi of the NDC are among Tinubu’s major rivals. Tinubu will inaugurate the council on Wednesday, October 14, at 11am.