2027: Accord, AAC, SDP Candidates Unite to Challenge Tinubu

The presidential candidates of the Accord Party, African Action Congress (AAC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) have agreed to work together to build a common opposition platform ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

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

The politicians expressed concern about what they described as growing political dominance, weakening democratic institutions and limited room for effective opposition. They said the country needed a stronger democratic alternative that could offer voters more choices in the 2027 election.

They agreed to begin efforts towards bringing their political structures together, while noting that the details of the proposed alliance, including its structure and choice of presidential candidate, would be worked out later.

The three opposition figures said the proposed arrangement would seek to bring together workers, young people, women, professionals, business owners, civil society groups and Nigerians from different regions, ethnic groups, religions and political backgrounds.

They said national interest should take priority over the individual ambitions of political leaders as discussions on the proposed alliance continue.

The candidates also called for a review of cases involving Nigerians who are being detained or prosecuted over political expression, self-determination campaigns and other peaceful activities protected by the Constitution.

They specifically demanded the release of Nnamdi Kanu and Bichia Maisango, while also calling for an end to what they described as the prosecution of Sowore over his political activities.

The politicians said their position should not be interpreted as support for every opinion or method associated with the individuals whose cases they mentioned. They argued that a democratic society should have room for peaceful disagreement and dissent.

They further urged international democratic institutions, foreign governments and human rights organisations to monitor Nigeria’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections.

The opposition leaders raised concerns about alleged efforts to weaken opposition parties and interfere with the work of security agencies, electoral bodies, the judiciary, legislature and other public institutions.

While rejecting foreign interference in Nigeria’s affairs, they called for individuals found to have abused public office or institutional powers to undermine democracy to be held accountable.

They also criticised the economic direction of the President Bola Tinubu administration, pointing to the removal of fuel subsidy and currency devaluation as policies they said had contributed to higher living costs, reduced purchasing power, unemployment and hardship.

The three candidates called for measures aimed at improving wages, increasing local production, attracting investment, creating jobs and reducing inflation.

On insecurity, they advocated a national strategy based on intelligence gathering, technology, properly equipped security personnel, cooperation with communities and effective prosecution of those involved in violent crimes.

They also opposed what they described as selective enforcement and political arrangements that allow armed groups to operate without facing the full weight of the law.

The candidates said their proposed alliance was not intended simply to remove the ruling party from power but to develop an alternative political platform focused on accountability, economic opportunity, security, institutional reform, inclusion and national development.

They maintained that Nigeria’s multi-party democracy must be protected and that no political party, individual or government institution should be placed above the Constitution.

Meanwhile, the Movement for Democratic Renewal (MDR) was launched in Port Harcourt on Saturday, with organisers calling for greater cooperation among Nigerians seeking political and economic reforms.

The movement, which is focused on the South-South and South-East regions, is co-chaired by Olawepo-Hashim and Nigeria Labour Congress President Joe Ajaero.

Labour leaders and officials from industrial unions gathered at the NLC Labour House in Port Harcourt for the event, where speakers discussed the need to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s democracy and improve the welfare of citizens.

Olawepo-Hashim said Nigeria had the resources to become a prosperous country but argued that poor leadership had weakened the nation’s economic potential. He also called for the revival of industries and a political system that gives greater attention to workers’ welfare.

SDP presidential candidate Adewole Adebayo urged workers and other citizens to resist intimidation and participate actively in elections. He also called for ideological unity among those seeking political change, arguing that political movements needed people who could eventually provide effective governance rather than only organise protests.

Ajaero, who was represented at the meeting by Denja Yakub, said Nigerians had to take responsibility for the country’s future and work towards building a system that protects workers and supports local industries.

Labour leaders from Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Bayelsa, Edo, Enugu, Anambra, Imo, Abia and Ebonyi states attended the gathering as discussions on greater political cooperation continued.