The 2027 presidential election in Nigeria is shaping up to be a crucial contest between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and a potential coalition of opposition parties. Several hurdles need to be overcome for the opposition coalition to succeed.

The political class is already preparing for this quadrennial event, holding consultations, meetings, negotiations, among other contending factors.

The ruling party, The All Progressive Congress, appears to be the most beautiful bride at the moment as members of other opposition parties have been courting the party, in a gale of defections, in what many political pundits and analysts described as a political tsunami.

While the APC seems to be enjoying the foray of defections by other party members into their fold, the main opposition party, The Peoples Democractic Party, PDP, appears to have lost its steam in the run of play.

The once dominant party is plagued by a series of internal crises which many political analysts believe will be the party’s undoings.

The once largest political party in Africa and oldest in Nigeria since it was created in 1998 by some elder statesmen, is now a shadow of itself, living in past glory and trying to win its way back to national prominence.

Already, some past and present leaders of the party have been consulting, negotiating, discussing, even though they have agreed yet, all in a bit to wrestle power from the stronghold of the Bola Tinubu-Led APC at the centre.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Former Presidential Candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 General elections, Peter Obi, former Governor of Kaduna state, Nasir El-Rufai, among other bigwigs, are believed to be in talks with one another of how to build a possible coalition to edge the ruling APC in the power game.

Although, no concrete decision has been reached by the major actors, their negotiations and their inability to reach a consensus remain critical factors that might endanger the birth of a viable coalition.

Factors like who will step down for who as the realignment begins, remains a major issue, taking into consideration their individual experiences, exposures, skills, knowledge, capacities and egos.

Except this issue is resolved in the run up to the 2027 presidential polls, it will be a mirage for them to unseat the Tinubu-Led government.

While the running party is busy strategizing ahead of the 2027 presidential polls, the other parties are still grappling with their internal crisis.

Some analysts believe that Atiku’s past experience as Vice President under the regime of Olusegun Obasanjo, might give him an edge, while others think Peter Obi’s popularity in the South could bring a geographical balance to the ticket.

For them to form a strong force against the APC, then, they must find common platform and agree on a candidate, which might be challenging given their different ideologies and interest.

Other factors which some political analysts have highlighted that may pose as a stumbling block agents the coalition is the timing. The time between and 2027 is quite a short time for the coalition to gather and make the desired impact.

This of course, is no brainer. Any merger of alliance must be arranged within a reasonable timeframe to be effective. Also, the coalition will have to convince the Nigerian voting public of its purpose and demonstrate a clear vision for the country’s future, particularly in the area of addressing the economic misfortunes of majority of the people. Another hurdle that would be staring the coalition in the face remains the issue of power rotation.

While the south believe it’s that turn to complete their second term in 2027, the north on the other hand argue that they have been short-changed in the governance structure of the country – in terms of number of years – since the return of democracy in 1999.

Out of the total 26 years, the north has ruled for 11 years, with the south 15 years. The issue remains a key factor that would affect the coalition to birth.

The coalition, must as a matter of urgency, decency decide on this unwritten agreement about rotating power between the North and the South, potentially present a southern for one term to allow the South to complete its own two terms for the office of the president.

In conclusion, the coalition, if it really wants to win power in 2027, must make a compelling case for itself, highlighting its unique strengths and vision, rather than just criticizing the incumbent.

It needs to differentiate itself and show Nigerians that it has a better alternative.

Emeka Monye Is A Journalist And Works With ARISE NEWS.

The Association of Voice-Over Artistes AVOA Nigeria has re-elected veteran Nollywood Actor and Voice over guru, Segun Arinze as its President for another tenure.

While thanking members of the Association for the confidence reposed in him, Mr Arinze promised to take AVOA to the new frontiers.

Here is the statement from Mr. Arinze to AVOA Members “Great AVOAITES!! I want to thank every member of our great Association for the confidence reposed in us by re-electing us for another term.

I look forward to an eventful four years ahead. Promising to take AVOA to greater heights and achieving key milestones.

Helping our older members consolidate and opening future doors of opportunities for our young members so they can reach their God given potentials as they learn and gain experience from the older members.

In the coming days we shall be sharing our blue print for AVOA. I appeal that there should be no more sitting on the fence while the world keeps evolving.

The challenges ahead are enormous but surmountable. We need each other to get to our destination. Together we shall succeed. God bless AVOA. Thank you all”

During his first tenure, Mr, Arinze focused on members empowerment and capacity building as he worked hard to create opportunities for new talents, through training, and entrepreneurial development, this led to the introduction of the most successful empowerment program tagged AVOA VOICEFEST.

He was also a strong voice advocating for the rights and interests of its members, including addressing issues like the ban on foreign voice actors.

ELECTORAL PANEL

AS A RESULT OF THE JUST CONCLUDED ELECTIONS, WE HEREBY DECLARE THE FOLLOWING CANDIDATES AS ELECTED TO SERVE IN AVOA EXECUTIVE COUNCIL FOR THE NEXT FOUR (4) YEARS

PRESIDENT – SEGUN ARINZE

VICE PRESIDENT – MALAM ABDUL MOHAMED

GENERAL SECRETARY – JOY OGBEKENE

ASSISTANT GENERAL SECRETARY – NGOZI OFILI

FINANCE DIRECTOR – TESSY BROWN

BUSINESS DIRECTOR – BUSARI ESH OLATUNJI

PUBLICITY DIRECTOR – SABUR GARBA

CHIEF WHIP – FUNKE LAODE

CONGRATULATIONS

SWEARING IN CEREMONY WOULD BE COMMUNICATED IN DUE COURSE.

WE THANK YOU FOR THE GREAT PRIVILEGE TO SERVE.

GOD BLESS YOU ALL.

ELECTORAL PANEL

Mauritania’s Sidi Ould Tah has been elected as the ninth president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB) as Nigeria’s Akinwumi Adesina prepares to bow out.

The Bank announced his election on its website on Thursday.

Adesina’s 10-year tenure will end this year and Tah is expected to assume office on September 1, 2025.

Tah was elected to succeed Adesina after rounds of voting conducted by the AfDB Board of Governors during the Bank’s Annual Meetings held in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire.

The Board comprises finance ministers and central bank governors from the Bank’s 81 member countries.