Adebayo Adenrele
The Chairman of Kayode-Ojo Consultative Committee, Adebayo Morakinyo, has downplayed the recent National Opposition Summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State ahead of the 2027 general elections, stating that it doesn’t have the cohesion and capacity required to unseat President Bola Tinubu.
Recall that the summit, convened by the Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, announced plans to present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election to challenge Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).
Prominent opposition figures at the meeting included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s presidential candidate Peter Obi, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) leader Rabiu Kwankwaso, former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, among others.
Speaking with journalists in Ado-Ekiti, Morakinyo, a former member of Ekiti State House of Assembly, acknowledged that a strong opposition is vital for democratic growth but expressed doubt over the effectiveness of the coalition.
Morakinyo questioned the ability of the alliance to translate its intentions into electoral victory, stressing that internal divisions and personal interests among opposition leaders could undermine their chances.
He argued that selecting a candidate under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) would not automatically resolve the coalition’s challenges, pointing out that mobilising broad-based support across party lines could prove difficult.
The Consultative Chairman cited the aftermath of the 2023 general elections as evidence of persistent fragmentation within the opposition, noting that key political actors pursued divergent paths rather than sustaining a united front.
Highlighting the current political landscape, he pointed to the ruling party’s dominance at both state and federal levels as a significant advantage for the President.
He added that governors and federal lawmakers would mobilise resources and political structures in support of the President’s re-election bid.
His words, “Every democracy performs better with a strong, critical and virile opposition. The truth is whether they currently have the capacity to unseat him, I do not believe that the so-called alliance will work. “What we are seeing are opposition politicians driven by personal interests and that is the first issue they have.
“I do not know who their candidate will be, but whoever emerges in ADC will not mark the end of the process. Getting others to support that candidate may become a challenge.
“We have seen this before. After the 2023 elections, opposition figures went in different directions. Some moved to the Labour Party, Atiku remained in the PDP and Rabiu Kwankwaso formed another party, which only secured limited support.
“With about 32 governors and dominance in the National Assembly, I do not see what strategy the opposition can deploy to unseat the President in 2027. It will ultimately come down to votes.
“Governors and members of the National Assembly will do everything within their power to deliver their states for the President. So, I do not see the ‘magic’ the opposition intends to use”.
