Amid growing political unrest and widespread dissatisfaction with the current administration, political parties and civic groups pushing for a grand alliance ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections convened in Kano on Tuesday, signaling a major step toward unifying opposition forces against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Held at the Malam Aminu Kano Centre for Democratic Studies, Mambayya House, Gwammaja, the meeting was organized under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and chaired by Nigeria’s former ambassador, Bala Sani.
“Defeating APC Requires Sincerity and Strategy” – Sheikh Khalil
Prominent cleric and former ADC gubernatorial candidate, Sheikh Ibrahim Khalil, called for sincere collaboration among opposition blocs, warning that superficial alliances won’t succeed.
“Defeating APC will require serious, sincere collaboration—an alliance built on genuine intent, not just political ambition,” Khalil said, also criticizing the ruling party’s clampdown on dissent and capture of critical democratic institutions.
Diverse Opposition and Civic Stakeholders in Attendance
The strategy meeting drew delegates from major opposition parties including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Action People’s Party (APP), and New Nigeria Movement (NNM), alongside youth organizations and informal sector coalitions across Kano.
ADC Kano Chairman Musa Shuaibu Ungogo emphasized the meeting’s urgency in restoring public confidence in democracy:
“Nigerians have lost faith in the political elite. We must show that politics can be a tool for national redemption,” he declared.
Parties Echo Commitment but Warn Against Betrayal
Party representatives expressed both optimism and caution. Sani Lawan Es of APP raised concerns over trust and loyalty within coalitions:
“Our fear is betrayal—being used and dumped. But if everyone plays fair, we can succeed.”
Abba Bukar Dambatta, a key Labour Party member and campaign committee figure, urged the group to remain resilient:
“We’ve endured hardship for 10 years. Now, everyone feels the pain. This is our chance.”
National Opposition Leaders Watching
The meeting coincides with broader coalition-building efforts reportedly involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, LP’s Peter Obi and ex-Kaduna Governor Nasir El-Rufai, all of whom are believed to be in quiet talks aimed at forging a formidable front to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
As alliances crystalize and political forces realign, Kano’s gathering could mark the beginning of a nationwide opposition rebirth, with unity, fairness, and grassroots engagement at its core.
