Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has said Nigeria’s 2027 general elections are shaping up to be a battle between those in authority and the Nigerian electorate, warning that continued weakening of opposition parties could undermine democracy.

Tambuwal made this known while speaking with journalists after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state congress in Sokoto, where he expressed concern over what he described as a recurring trend in the country’s political environment.

“What we are witnessing is a pattern where opposition parties are persistently weakened by internal crises, while the ruling party appears to remain relatively stable,” he said.

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He added, “When you observe the frequency and intensity of crises within opposition parties, you begin to see a pattern that raises serious questions.”

According to him, the situation could reduce viable alternatives for voters and weaken democratic competition. Drawing a historical comparison, Tambuwal said the trend “reminds some of us of the transition period when political parties, despite their differences, ended up aligning behind a single candidate.”

He referenced the late Bola Ige, who famously described that era as the “five fingers of a leprous hand.”

Speaking further on the 2027 race, Tambuwal said, “What I meant is that the political dynamics leading up to 2027 are shaping up. It is increasingly becoming a contest between those in positions of power and the general population.”

He noted that despite economic challenges, many politicians are defecting to the ruling party due to perceived access to power, adding that “there is a belief in some quarters that control over key institutions could influence electoral outcomes.”

However, he stressed that “the ultimate decision will rest with the electorate.”

On internal competition within the ADC, Tambuwal maintained that contestation for the party’s presidential ticket is a normal part of democratic practice.

“If there is consensus, that is a legitimate outcome. However, if consensus cannot be achieved, we have party primaries,” he said.

He also alleged that opposition parties often encounter obstacles, describing them as “banana peels” in the form of political, legal, and administrative challenges. Despite this, he said the ADC continues to gain grassroots traction.

“Within a very short period, hundreds of thousands of Nigerians registered with the party; it reflects genuine grassroots engagement,” he noted.

Highlighting governance priorities, Tambuwal said an ADC-led administration would focus on security, economic development, job creation, education, agriculture, and improved power supply.

Responding to claims that he still controls political structures within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Sokoto, he dismissed the suggestion.

“It would be inaccurate to suggest that any one person is controlling their actions,” he said.

He also backed the position of the Nigerian Bar Association on reducing judicial interference in party matters, stating that “internal party matters should be handled within the parties themselves.”

Tambuwal described the ADC congress in Sokoto as successful, citing strong participation and enthusiasm.

“The participation was largely organic. People genuinely believe in what the party represents,” he added.