The Nigerian political landscape is now set for the 2027 general elections. Saturday, May 30, 2026, marked the official close of the national and local primaries. While the various parties have confirmed their leading candidates, the opposition is already denouncing significant pressure and attempts at destabilization by the ruling party.

The forces at play in the presidential election

The presidential race promises to be particularly competitive with the positioning of major figures in Nigerian politics:

1. Bola Tinubu (APC): The outgoing president was logically nominated by the majority party, the Congress of Progressives, to run for a second term.
2. Goodluck Jonathan (PDP): The former head of state makes a resounding return to the political scene by securing the nomination of the People's Democratic Party.
3. Peter Obi (NDC): Third in the 2023 presidential election, the former Labour leader will this time represent the Democratic Congress of Nigeria.
4. Atiku Abubakar (ADC): A historical figure of the opposition, he won the African Democratic Congress primary on Wednesday, May 27.

Peter Obi denounces the harassment of the opposition

Waving an NDC flag, Peter Obi used his inaugural address to strongly criticize the methods of the current government. Recalling the foundations of democracy, he condemned the treatment of dissidents:

“We want to be a government of the people, by the people, and for the people. The people must decide. Today, the situation is difficult: opposition parties are treated like criminals and harassed. Our future government will work with the opposition and ensure that it can exist freely.”

A disrupted PDP congress in Abuja

Tensions were particularly visible in the federal capital. In Abuja, police forces blocked access to the conference hall initially rented by the PDP for its congress. Party leaders had to urgently relocate to a private residence to formalize Goodluck Jonathan's candidacy.

A power grab which, according to party officials, betrays the regime's nervousness: "Today, the authorities confirmed to us that President Jonathan frightens them. Otherwise, how can you explain their attempt to prevent us from meeting? Go tell them that Jonathan is back!"

To formalize this designation despite the disruptions, the national secretary of the PDP, Ini Ememebong, announced that a formal public ceremony will be organized very soon to officially hand over the party flag to the former president.