How APC Can Win the 2027 Elections: Lessons from the ADC Coalition

The Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, SAN, has stated that the top opposition leaders joining the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has strengthened the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) finds itself in a strong position to consolidate power if it plays its cards right. 

But beyond political rhetoric, how can APC truly leverage these changes and ensure victory in the 2027 election?

1. Opposition Fragmentation: An APC Advantage

Currently, several prominent figures from the PDP and some members of the Labour Party are defecting to join the ADC. This means the opposition, which was once strong and united, is now divided and weaker.

Festus Keyamo says that by moving to the ADC, these politicians have left their old parties behind. This split in the opposition makes it harder for them to win elections, as their votes will now be divided among different parties instead of coming together as a unified group.

For the APC, this situation is a big advantage. When the opposition is divided, APC’s path to winning the election becomes clearer. However, APC also needs to be careful to keep its own members loyal and not let any of them leave for other parties. Maintaining unity within the APC is crucial if they want to remain strong.

2. Legal and Constitutional Clarity

Keyamo also explains that Nigerian law does not allow politicians to belong to more than one party at a time. If someone attempts to join two parties, it is risky and could result in their disqualification from running in an election.

By pointing out this rule, APC can draw attention to any opposition leaders who try to play both sides, causing confusion among their supporters and even jeopardising their chance to contest.

Suppose the APC continues to remind everyone about this law. In that case, it can put pressure on opposition politicians who are considering switching parties, making the APC appear more organised and law-abiding.

3. Focus on Governance and Delivery

While the opposition is busy reorganising, APC must not become lazy or careless. Instead, the APC should work hard to deliver real progress for the people, such as building roads and schools, creating jobs, strengthening the economy, and improving security.

If the APC can demonstrate that it is making life better for Nigerians, more people will support the party, even those who haven’t yet made up their minds.

Keyamo says that focusing on good governance is the best way to campaign. When a party performs well in government, it doesn’t need to fear the opposition.

4. Exploit the Opposition’s Identity Crisis

The new ADC coalition, according to Keyamo, comprises many individuals who previously belonged to other parties but now appear to lack a clear vision or a strong leader. There are disagreements within the group, especially over who should get the presidential ticket—whether it’s Atiku from PDP or Peter Obi from the Labour Party.

APC can use this confusion in the opposition to its advantage by telling Nigerians that the ruling party is united, stable, and ready to lead, while the opposition is disorganised and uncertain.

5. Manage Internal Discontent and Reconciliation

Keyamo also mentions that a few APC members who didn’t support President Tinubu or lost their seats in the last election have joined the ADC coalition. Instead of seeing this as a major problem, APC should view it as an opportunity to eliminate those who were not truly loyal to the party.

At the same time, the party should work on solving any issues with remaining members, listen to their complaints, and try to bring everyone together. This will help APC avoid further losses and show the public that the party is united.

6. Strategic Engagement with Swing Regions

When the opposition fights over who will run for president, and especially if Peter Obi and his supporters are ignored, the South-East and South-South regions may be left open for APC to win.

To take advantage of this, APC should work harder to connect with people in these areas, offer good policies, and choose candidates who can attract local support. These regions can make a big difference in the final election results.

7. Voter Education and Mobilisation

As the opposition becomes more divided, it’s very important for APC to educate voters. The party needs to explain to people what the opposition’s split means and encourage its own supporters to get involved, vote, and not stay at home on election day.

By focusing on grassroots campaigns in every state and making sure people understand what’s at stake, APC can boost turnout and reduce the chances of protest votes.