2027: Accord, AAC, SDP forge alliance to challenge Tinubu

The presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress and Social Democratic Party have agreed to work together ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with the aim of creating a stronger opposition platform against the ruling All Progressives Congress.

Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim of the Accord Party, Omoyele Sowore of the AAC and Adewole Adebayo of the SDP reached the agreement after meeting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where they discussed Nigeria’s political situation, economy, security and the state of democratic institutions.

The three politicians expressed concern over what they described as the growing control of political power by a few interests and the difficulties faced by opposition parties. They said Nigerians needed a stronger alternative that would give voters more choices in the 2027 election.

The proposed alliance is expected to bring together the political structures of the three parties, although the leaders have yet to decide on the final structure of the arrangement or who would emerge as its presidential candidate.

The politicians said the planned cooperation would not be limited to political parties. They want to attract workers, young people, women, professionals, business owners, civil society groups and Nigerians from different parts of the country.

They also agreed that national interest should come before the personal ambitions of individual politicians as discussions over the proposed alliance continue.

The opposition figures raised concerns about the detention and prosecution of Nigerians over political expression, self-determination campaigns and other peaceful activities. They called for the review of cases involving people they believe should be allowed to exercise their constitutional rights.

They also called for the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Bichia Maisango and questioned the continued legal actions involving Sowore over his political activities. They made it clear that their position on the cases did not mean they supported every view or action linked to the individuals involved.

The three candidates further urged international democratic organisations, foreign governments and human rights groups to pay attention to Nigeria’s democratic process as the country approaches the 2027 elections.

They accused some political actors of attempting to weaken opposition parties and expressed concern over alleged interference in the activities of security agencies, electoral institutions, the judiciary, legislature and other public bodies.

On the economy, the politicians criticised some policies of the President Bola Tinubu administration, particularly the removal of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation. They said the measures had contributed to rising living costs, weaker purchasing power, unemployment and increased hardship for many Nigerians.

They called for policies that would improve workers’ wages, encourage local production, attract investment, create jobs and bring down inflation.

The politicians also discussed the security situation across the country. They proposed greater use of intelligence, modern technology and properly equipped security personnel, alongside stronger cooperation between security agencies and local communities.

They also called for the effective prosecution of people involved in violent crimes and opposed what they described as selective enforcement of the law.

According to the politicians, their planned alliance is not only aimed at defeating the ruling party in 2027. They said the proposed platform would seek to promote accountability, economic growth, security, stronger institutions, inclusion and national development.

The meeting came shortly after the launch of the Movement for Democratic Renewal in Port Harcourt, a group focused on promoting political and economic reforms, particularly in the South-South and South-East regions.

Olawepo-Hashim and Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero are among those leading the movement. Labour leaders and representatives of industrial unions from several states attended the launch at the NLC Labour House in Port Harcourt.

Discussions at the gathering focused on restoring public confidence in democratic institutions, improving workers’ welfare and encouraging greater political participation.

Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria had enough resources to become a prosperous nation but that poor leadership had prevented the country from fully using its economic potential. He also called for the revival of industries and policies that would improve the living conditions of workers.

Adebayo urged Nigerians to take an active role in the political process and called for greater unity among groups seeking political change. He said political movements should focus not only on opposing those in power but also on developing people capable of governing effectively.

Ajaero, who was represented at the event by Denja Yakub, called on Nigerians to take responsibility for the future of the country. He also stressed the need for policies that protect workers and support local industries.

Labour leaders from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states were among those present at the gathering.

The discussions are expected to continue as the Accord, AAC and SDP work towards determining how their proposed cooperation will operate and whether the arrangement can develop into a broader opposition platform before the 2027 presidential election.