APC Accuses Tambuwal of Undermining Opposition Credibility Amid 2027 Election Tensions

In a fiery exchange that underscores Nigeria’s increasingly polarized political climate, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing rebuttal against former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, labeling him a “major obstacle” to the emergence of a credible opposition in the country.

The war of words erupted after Tambuwal, a former Speaker of the House of Representatives, accused President Bola Tinubu and the APC of orchestrating a clandestine campaign to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Tambuwal’s Allegations and APC’s Swift Rebuttal

During a recent television interview, Tambuwal did not mince words. He alleged that Tinubu and the ruling party were actively scheming to destabilize opposition forces, vowing to collaborate with other political stakeholders to unseat the APC in the next presidential election.

But the APC was quick to dismiss these claims. In a strongly-worded statement issued on Sunday by its National Publicity Secretary, Felix Morka, the party described Tambuwal’s accusations as unfounded and politically motivated.

“Neither President Tinubu nor the APC has the time or inclination to meddle in the affairs of broken opposition parties,” Morka asserted. “This administration remains squarely focused on delivering good governance and fulfilling the promises we made to the Nigerian people.”

Morka’s Full-throated Defense

Morka didn’t stop at mere denial. He went further, characterizing Tambuwal’s remarks as a form of “political blackmail” driven by what he called an “obsession with power.” According to Morka, opposition leaders have consistently failed to provide any tangible evidence to support their allegations.

“With nothing of value to offer Nigerians,” Morka stated, “these opposition elements have now turned political prophets, trumpeting their base wishes and 2027 predictions that only truly portend the devastating defeat that awaits them at the voting thumbs of the Nigerian electorate.”

The language was sharp, deliberate, and reflected the APC’s confidence following its electoral victories—but also hinted at the high-stakes political maneuvering already underway more than three years before the next general election.

A History of Political Rivalries

This isn’t the first time Tambuwal has been at the center of political controversy. A seasoned politician with a significant following, he has often positioned himself as a vocal critic of the ruling party. His defection from the APC to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2018 remains a memorable chapter in Nigeria’s recent political history.

Now, as the 2027 elections loom on the horizon, political analysts suggest that Tambuwal’s recent comments may be part of a broader strategy to galvanize opposition forces and position himself as a key player in the next electoral cycle.

But the APC’s response indicates that the ruling party is not taking these challenges lightly. By publicly rebuking Tambuwal and other high-profile opposition figures—including Atiku Abubakar, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, and Rotimi Amaechi—the APC is sending a clear message: it intends to dominate the narrative ahead of 2027.

The State of Nigeria’s Opposition

Morka’s statement also touched on what he described as the internal disarray within opposition parties. He accused figures like Tambuwal of failing to provide effective leadership, leaving their parties “rudderless and weakened by internal contradictions.”

This criticism isn’t entirely without merit. The PDP, for instance, has been grappling with internal factionalism and leadership crises since its defeat in the 2015 general elections. Other smaller parties have struggled to present a united front or articulate a compelling alternative vision to the APC’s agenda.

Yet, despite these challenges, opposition parties remain a critical component of Nigeria’s democracy. Their ability to hold the government accountable and offer policy alternatives is essential for a healthy political system.

What This Means for 2027

The early skirmishes between the APC and opposition voices like Tambuwal suggest that the battle for the soul of Nigeria’s democracy is already heating up. With economic challenges, security concerns, and social unrest continuing to dominate public discourse, the political landscape remains highly volatile.

For the APC, the strategy appears to be two-fold: first, to discredit opposition figures and undermine their credibility, and second, to highlight the government’s achievements—or promised achievements—in areas such as infrastructure, economic reform, and social investment.

For the opposition, the path forward is less clear. Unity has often eluded Nigeria’s opposition parties, and personal ambitions have frequently overshadowed collective action. Whether figures like Tambuwal, Atiku, Obi, and others can forge a cohesive alliance remains an open question.

Public Reaction and Political Ramifications

Reactions to the exchange have been mixed. Supporters of the APC have praised the party’s forceful response, viewing it as a sign of strength and confidence. Critics, however, argue that the ruling party’s dismissive attitude toward opposition concerns reflects a deeper intolerance for dissent.

On social media, the clash has sparked heated debates, with hashtags like #2027Elections and #OppositionUnity trending as users weigh in on the implications of these early political posturings.

What is clear is that this war of words is unlikely to be the last. As the 2027 elections draw nearer, similar exchanges are expected to become more frequent—and more intense.

Conclusion: A Democracy in the Balance

Nigeria’s democracy has always been robust, often noisy, and fiercely contested. The ongoing verbal duel between the APC and Aminu Tambuwal is just the latest manifestation of this vibrant—and sometimes chaotic—political culture.

While the ruling party has dismissed Tambuwal’s allegations as baseless, the underlying tensions reflect broader concerns about the health of Nigeria’s multi-party system. For democracy to thrive, a strong and credible opposition is not just desirable—it is essential.

Whether the opposition can rise to the challenge remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: the road to 2027 will be long, contentious, and closely watched by millions of Nigerians who are eager for responsive leadership and real change.