Opposition leaders stress voter choice and unity over incumbency in 2027 Nigerian elections at the launch of Bolaji Abdullahi’s memoir
Opposition leaders have declared that the 2027 Nigerian general elections will be determined by voter choice, opposition unity, and the integrity of the electoral process, rather than incumbency, control of state power, or political defections.
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The declaration was made at the public launch of The Loyalist, a memoir by Bolaji Abdullahi, National Publicity Secretary of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), in Abuja on Tuesday.
The event drew opposition figures, former public office holders, lawmakers, intellectuals, and party stakeholders.
Speakers included former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; former Anambra State governor Peter Obi; former Minister of Interior and ADC National Secretary Rauf Aregbesola; former Senate President and ADC National Chairman David Mark; and veteran columnist Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, who reviewed the book.
Although convened as a book presentation, the gathering assumed a political tone, with speakers repeatedly emphasising the importance of opposition unity and leadership responsibility ahead of the next general election.
Rauf Aregbesola addressed misconceptions about incumbency in Nigerian politics, noting that governors and officeholders do not automatically determine election outcomes.
Using the South-West as an example, he highlighted that ruling party dominance at the state level had not translated into overwhelming electoral success.
“In the South-West, the APC controlled all the states except one, yet the maximum performance of the party was 55 per cent, with the other parties sharing the rest,” he said.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar praised Abdullahi’s memoir for addressing loyalty and conscience in public life.
He reflected on his own political experiences, stating, “Many of us have suffered because of loyalty. I have faced exile as a result of loyalty. I have survived assassination attempts as a result of loyalty.” Atiku stressed that loyalty should strengthen common goals rather than encourage blind allegiance.
Peter Obi, representing the South-East, signalled political solidarity and pledged commitment to ensuring the region’s voice in the upcoming elections.
Author Bolaji Abdullahi urged opposition leaders to rise above rivalry and present a united front, highlighting that while Nigerians are ready for change in 2027, political leaders are not yet matching that urgency.
“Nigerians look at us and see different enclaves and different entities. They see competition, rather than cooperation,” he said.
Veteran columnist Hakeem Baba-Ahmed described the memoir as historically significant and revealing, capturing the essence of contemporary Nigerian political character.
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Former Senate President David Mark commended Abdullahi’s integrity and clarified past controversies surrounding the Doctrine of Necessity.
