Opposition Lacks Grassroots Structure to Challenge APC in 2027 – TDF

The Democratic Front (TDF) has accused opposition parties of lacking the grassroots structures needed to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.

The group said the APC currently enjoys a wider nationwide political presence than its rivals. It attributed this advantage to the ruling party’s mobilisation network and the support of its members holding public offices.

In a statement signed by its Chairman, Danjuma Muhammad, and Secretary, Wale Adedayo, TDF said opposition parties remained distracted by internal disputes and legal battles following their primaries.

It argued that these challenges had weakened their ability to organise effectively and build support ahead of the elections.

The group cited the large crowd at the APC presidential campaign flag-off in Kaduna as evidence of the ruling party’s mobilisation strength.

It said the turnout demonstrated the APC’s influence across the country and could discourage opposition parties from mounting an effective challenge.

TDF also accused opposition parties of relying heavily on social media rather than building support at the grassroots. It cited Umar Ardo, convener of the Northern League of Democrats, who recently described the campaign as one-sided in favour of the APC.

The group blamed the opposition’s alleged organisational weakness on the activities of prominent figures, particularly former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi.

It accused the two politicians of spending more time attacking the Tinubu administration than developing alternative policies around the concerns of Nigerians.

TDF also faulted their recent positions on fuel subsidy removal. It said both politicians had reversed their earlier commitments to remove the subsidy if elected president.

According to the group, their change of position amounted to political opportunism. It argued that they were seeking electoral gains from rising global fuel prices at the expense of national interests.

The forum maintained that the opposition’s handling of the issue could further weaken public confidence in its leading figures.

It said the APC had set the pace for the 2027 election campaign through its grassroots network, infrastructure projects and what it described as improvements in the economy.

TDF added that opposition parties had yet to present convincing economic programmes capable of offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

The group expressed confidence that the APC’s organisational advantage would strengthen its chances in the presidential election scheduled for January 2027.