2027: You May Think You Are Next President, But It Will Be Difficult For You Without Coalition—Ahmed

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has emphasised the importance of cooperation among opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election, warning that individual candidates could face difficulties if they fail to secure the backing of the opposition coalition.

According to remarks made during an interview on Symfoni TV on Sunday, October 18, 2026, Baba-Ahmed said the coalition was formed to bring together parties with different political strengths and support bases to create a more coordinated challenge against the ruling party.

The PRP chairman explained that smaller opposition parties had communicated their position to prominent presidential aspirants, stressing that no candidate should assume that personal popularity or the strength of their political platform alone would guarantee success at the polls.

He maintained that the coalition was designed to pool political influence, organisational resources and voter support, thereby giving participating parties an opportunity to pursue a common objective ahead of the next general election.

According to Baba-Ahmed, the message conveyed to leading presidential hopefuls was that their individual political advantages could be strengthened through collaboration with other opposition groups. He argued that candidates who ignored the coalition’s contributions might underestimate the role smaller parties could play in the electoral process.

“You may think that you’re the next president, but we believe that without us, it will be very difficult for you to be the president, and your strength will be complemented by us who work in a coalition,” he said.

Baba-Ahmed’s remarks reflect the position that opposition parties need to coordinate their efforts if they intend to challenge the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election. He suggested that the coalition was not merely an arrangement for individual politicians to pursue their ambitions but a platform through which different political interests could work towards a shared goal.

He further stressed that smaller parties should not be regarded as insignificant in discussions about the future of the opposition. According to him, their influence, grassroots networks and political support could contribute to a broader alliance, particularly if participating parties agreed to cooperate rather than compete against one another.

The PRP chairman also indicated that the coalition’s purpose was to prevent the opposition from becoming fragmented by competing presidential ambitions. He argued that cooperation would allow the parties to combine their respective strengths instead of weakening their collective position through separate campaigns.

As preparations for the 2027 elections continue, discussions about opposition unity have become an important part of the political landscape. However, establishing a common front may require participating parties to resolve differences over leadership, political strategy and the selection of a candidate to represent the coalition.

Baba-Ahmed’s comments underscore the message that opposition leaders are seeking to communicate to presidential aspirants: the coalition expects its members to be recognised as partners whose contributions could shape the alliance’s direction and electoral strategy.

Watch the video starting from 18:36 to 18:54

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