Abuja, Nigeria — With Nigeria’s electoral commission deadline just days away, several political parties have formally concluded their presidential primaries ahead of the 2027 general election, producing a fragmented and increasingly competitive political field.

The emerging lineup reflects both continuity and political realignment: incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu secured the ticket of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), while former Vice President Atiku Abubakar emerged as the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) after a closely watched contest.

Other confirmed candidates include:

• Donald Duke for the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP)
• Adewole Adebayo for the Social Democratic Party (SDP)
• Omoyele Sowore for the African Action Congress (AAC)
• Sandy Onor for the Nyesom Wike-aligned faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) is also expected to ratify former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as its flagbearer after he emerged as the sole aspirant.

Meanwhile, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde is expected to secure endorsement from the Accord Party amid shifting political alliances within the opposition.

Atiku’s ADC Victory

The ADC primary produced one of the most closely scrutinised contests so far. According to party figures, 2.5 million members voted out of more than 3.1 million registered members.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar won the nomination with 1,846,370 votes, defeating former Rivers State governor Rotimi Amaechi and banker Mohammed Hayatu-Deen.

The outcome, however, has already generated internal tensions. Allegations of vote manipulation and procedural irregularities surfaced during and after the primary process.

ADC chieftain Kola Ologbondiyan said aggrieved aspirants were expected to challenge the outcome through the party’s appeal mechanism.

Tinubu Secures APC Ticket

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu overwhelmingly won the APC presidential primary, securing 10.9 million votes across the country’s 8,809 wards. His only challenger, Stanley Osifo, polled 16,504 votes.

The scale of the victory reinforces Tinubu’s dominance within the ruling party as he seeks a second term amid continuing economic pressures and security concerns facing Africa’s most populous nation.

Opposition Landscape Fractures

Beyond the APC and ADC contests, Nigeria’s opposition space appears increasingly fragmented.

Former Cross River governor Donald Duke secured the PRP nomination after defeating two rivals in the party’s primary.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore was again nominated by the AAC, presenting himself as the leader of what he described as Nigeria’s “only genuine opposition.”

Meanwhile, SDP candidate Adewole Adebayo used his acceptance speech to frame the election around economic hardship and governance failures.

Realignments Ahead of Deadline

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) fixed May 30, 2026, as the deadline for all parties to conclude primaries for presidential, governorship, legislative and state assembly elections.

The compressed timetable has intensified political negotiations and defections. Several prominent figures — including former Communications Minister Isa Pantami and former Inspector General of Police Mohammed Adamu — reportedly left their parties after disputes linked to primary processes.

Political observers say the coming weeks will determine whether Nigeria heads into the 2027 election with a consolidated two-front race or a splintered opposition landscape capable of reshaping coalition politics.