Why Opposition Parties May Struggle To Form Alliance Ahead Of 2027 Elections

Oyeyemi Abiodun Stephen, the Pastor in Charge of the Alpha and Omega Parish at the Redeemed Christian Church of God’s Region 17 Headquarters in Bauchi State, has blamed personal interests among opposition politicians for their failure to unite ahead of the 2027 general election.

Stephen warned that divisions among opposition figures, including African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar and Nigeria Democratic Congress presidential candidate Peter Obi, could weaken their efforts to challenge President Bola Tinubu.

Speaking in an interview, the cleric urged political leaders to put aside their personal ambitions and prioritise the interests of Nigerians, particularly those struggling with economic hardship.

He argued that the opposition had failed to present a united front because its leading figures were more concerned about their individual political goals than the country’s needs.

Stephen specifically criticised Atiku over the failed opposition coalition, arguing that the former vice-president should have supported Obi as its presidential candidate rather than pursuing his own ambition.

He maintained that an alliance built around Obi could have a better chance of mounting a challenge to Tinubu if its members were willing to work together and resolve their differences.

On the qualities required of Nigeria’s next president, the pastor said candidates must demonstrate a commitment to tackling corruption, reducing economic hardship and creating opportunities for young people.

He expressed concern that many Nigerians were yet to experience meaningful improvements in their living conditions despite government policies and claims of economic reforms.

Stephen also questioned reports that Nigeria was spending more than its revenue on debt servicing, saying the situation raised concerns about public financial management and the concentration of wealth among a small section of the population.

He called for economic policies that would improve the living standards of ordinary citizens, especially workers struggling to afford rent, transport and food.

The cleric described the current national minimum wage of ₦70,000 as inadequate and proposed an increase to at least ₦400,000 amid rising living costs. He said ₦300,000 could be considered if inflation were brought under control, but maintained that workers would need higher earnings if prices continued to rise.

Drawing on his experience as a senior pastor, Stephen said he understood the financial pressures facing low-income earners and called on the government to pay greater attention to their welfare.

He also urged the Federal Government to prioritise young Nigerians through targeted employment programmes, warning that unemployment and limited opportunities could expose some youths to cybercrime and other criminal activities.

Stephen called for greater investment in domestic petroleum refining, questioning why Nigeria continued to import finished petroleum products despite having crude oil resources and refineries.

He further criticised the impact of a petrol discount announced by the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence anniversary, claiming that consumers had not experienced a noticeable reduction in pump prices.

The pastor cited his own experience, saying he bought petrol at ₦1,420 per litre two weeks earlier. He argued that such announcements should deliver practical relief rather than remain political statements.

On leadership more broadly, Stephen said the next president should prioritise the needs of ordinary Nigerians, whom he described as struggling with hunger and economic difficulties.

He added that Nigeria needed leaders committed to national development and the welfare of its citizens, while also expressing hope for divine intervention in the country’s challenges.