Nigeria’s NNPP Alleges APC of Interfering in Opposition Parties Ahead of 2027 Elections
Ajuji Ahmed, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating crises in opposition parties to ensure victory in the 2027 general elections and secure a second term for President Bola Tinubu. Ahmed made these allegations during the flag-off of the NNPP’s campaign in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, ahead of the forthcoming off-cycle governorship election.
According to Ahmed, the NNPP is willing to support and participate in moves by opposition parties to form an alliance against the ruling APC, with the ultimate goal of sacking the party and President Tinubu from power. He emphasized that the NNPP will not allow any manipulation of the election results, stating, “The fear that APC might want to manipulate the election is being expressed everywhere…but at the end of the day, it is left to us to guard our votes on the voting day by having a credible agent who will protect the votes and who will also be in charge of supervising the counting.”
Ahmed also accused the APC of interfering in other parties, but noted that it is up to the opposition parties to maintain their integrity and remain a viable opposition to the APC. He called for a plan by opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 elections, stating that the NNPP is ready to be part of a coalition if it materializes.
The NNPP standard-bearer, Edema, also spoke during the campaign flag-off, urging the electorate not to be intimidated by the power of incumbency and to resist any form of vote-trading. He stated, “We are saying Ondo State is not Edo State. Ondo is not Lagos State. The people of Ondo are one of the most enlightened in the whole country, and we are capable of protecting our votes and we will protect it.”
Edema’s comments were in reference to the APC’s alleged tactics in Edo State, which the NNPP claims will not be successful in Ondo State. The NNPP’s message of defiance was clear, with Edema stating, “We do not fear them. We will dare them.” The forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State is set to be a crucial test of strength for the NNPP and other opposition parties as they seek to challenge the APC’s dominance.
