On Saturday in Sokoto, former governor Aminu Tambuwal accused the administration of Bola Tinubu of working to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 elections, while the All Progressives Congress denied the allegation and said it was not interfering in rival parties.
Tambuwal spoke after a meeting of the African Democratic Congress in Sokoto, where he claimed that the current political situation shows a plan to ensure that only the ruling party remains stable while others face internal problems. He linked the situation to past political arrangements where multiple parties were pushed toward a single direction.
He pointed to ongoing issues within the Labour Party and the Peoples Democratic Party, saying they show signs of pressure and disruption. He also suggested that recent defections of governors and politicians to the ruling party are driven by fear and the desire to stay politically safe rather than performance in office.
Tambuwal added that the next general election would go beyond party competition and become a test between the government and the people, as many citizens are watching political developments closely.
In response, the presidency rejected the claims and said the government remains committed to democracy and a multi-party system. Presidential aide Daniel Bwala said the administration has no role in the internal problems of opposition parties and that each party is responsible for managing its own affairs.
The ruling party also dismissed the accusation that it is encouraging defections. Its spokesperson, Felix Morka, said politicians who join the APC do so by choice, often because they support the policies and leadership of the current government.
At the same time, the chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Joash Amupitan, maintained that the commission remains neutral and committed to conducting credible elections, rejecting claims of bias.
The situation comes as political tensions continue across the country following the 2023 elections, with internal disputes and court cases affecting major opposition parties and raising concerns about their readiness for the 2027 polls.