In a recent interview aired on Arise TV on Tuesday, May 26, 2026, former APC chieftain and leading promoter of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), Dr. Umar Ardo, shared his views on the political calculations that could shape Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election.
Speaking during Arise Prime Time, Ardo discussed coalition politics, opposition alliances, and the importance of strategic unity among parties seeking to challenge the ruling party in the next general election.
Reflecting on the 2015 elections that led to the defeat of an incumbent government for the first time in Nigeria’s democratic history, Ardo argued that broad political coalitions remain essential for any opposition movement hoping to succeed at the national level. According to him, effective coalition-building requires compromise, negotiation, and the ability to unite different political interests behind a common goal.
While assessing the emerging opposition landscape ahead of 2027, Ardo expressed optimism about the prospects of a united opposition front. He stated that the strength of any challenge against the ruling party would largely depend on how well opposition figures and parties coordinate their strategies and rally support across different regions of the country.
Speaking specifically about possible presidential contenders, Ardo said, “If Atiku emerges as the candidate of the ADC and is on the ballot, then he is likely to win.”
He explained that his position was based on existing voting trends, regional political alignments, and the possibility of consolidating support from various opposition blocs under a single platform.
Ardo further noted that ongoing political negotiations and alliances in the months ahead would play a major role in determining the direction of the 2027 elections. He stressed that while no election outcome is guaranteed, coalition-building remains one of the most powerful tools in Nigerian politics.