Politics

Nigeria’s Opposition Leaders Form Alliance To Unseat Ruling Party In 2027

By admin
July 4, 2025

By OPE ADETAYO

LAGOS, Nigeria (AP) — Nigeria’s key opposition leaders on Wednesday unveiled a new coalition which they say is aimed at unseating the ruling party in Africa’s biggest democracy ahead of the 2027 presidential elections.

The Africa Democratic Congress coalition, challenging President Bola Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress party, is led by Abubakar Atiku and Peter Obi, both runners-up in the last presidential vote. They are joined by other top figures, including former federal lawmakers and former governors from the ruling party.

“The coalition will stop Nigeria from becoming a one-party state,” said David Mark, a former Senate president and the interim chairman of the alliance, at the unveiling in the capital, Abuja.

Tinubu has been accused of plans to turn Nigeria to a one-party state by allegedly using state mechanisms to convince high-profile politicians to defect from opposition parties to the governing party.

PRESIDENT'S RESPONSE

Although the Nigerian leader has denied the allegations, some of his closest allies, including within ruling party leadership, appeared to be supporting it, triggering concerns in a region threatened with shrinking democratic space.

The battle for the country’s top job has intensified, even two years ahead of the next elections, as several federal lawmakers and state governors have defected to the ruling party in recent months, and opposition politicians have coalesced to contest Tinubu’s second term.

The new coalition is reminiscent of the alliance that defeated Nigeria’s former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party, in 2015 after an uninterrupted 16-year rule.

As was the case in 2015, many see the current administration as not delivering on their key promises to improve the country’s ailing security and economic sectors.

Tinubu’s government has battled the fallout of unpopular economic reforms after removing decades-long subsidies and floating the country’s currency. The reforms have sparked an inflation crisis as the country deals with a resurgence of attacks by armed groups across the country.

Cheta Nwanze, lead partner at SBM Intelligence, a geo-political consultancy, said only a united opposition bloc stands a chance of unseating Tinubu in 2027.

“You cannot remove a sitting government if the opposition is disunited,” Nwanze said.

Tips for Practicing Digital Minimalism

Here are some practical tips for incorporating digital minimalism into your life:

Limit Social Media Usage: Use apps that track your time spent on social platforms, and set specific limits for each day.
Declutter Your Digital Space: Delete apps and files that you no longer need, and organize your digital workspace to remove distractions.
Prioritize Offline Time: Set aside time every day to disconnect from technology and engage in offline activities like reading, exercising, or spending time with loved ones.

The key to living well in a high-tech world is to spend much less time using technology

- Cal Newport

Digital Decluttering Checklist

Before diving into digital minimalism, consider following this checklist to start your journey:

Unsubscribe from unnecessary newsletters and promotional emails.
Organize your computer’s files into clear folders.
Delete unused apps from your smartphone and tablet.
Remove yourself from social media groups that no longer serve your interests.
Set “Do Not Disturb” modes during work or relaxation hours.

Digital Minimalism in the Workplace

Comparison Between Digital Minimalism and Digital Detox

Aspect	Digital Minimalism	Digital Detox
Approach	Mindful use of technology	Complete break from technology
Duration	Long-term lifestyle change	Temporary break
Goal	Reduce distractions and enhance focus	Recharge mental energy
Focus	Focus on essential digital activities	Avoid all digital activities entirely

Digital minimalism can also be applied in professional settings. By limiting extra emails, notifications, and meetings, employees can focus better on tasks that truly matter. Here are some strategies to adopt digital minimalism at work:

Batch Emails: Instead of constantly checking emails, set designated times for email responses.
Use Communication Tools Wisely: Only use apps like Slack for necessary work-related conversations.
Limit Notifications: Turn off non-essential notifications to maintain focus during deep work sessions.

Is Digital Minimalism Right for You?

Digital minimalism isn’t about completely cutting out technology; it’s about using it wisely and purposefully. By making small, intentional changes, you can reduce digital clutter, enhance your productivity, and improve your overall well-being. It’s a lifestyle shift that encourages more meaningful interactions both online and offline.

Adopting digital minimalism is a personal journey, but it’s one that can lead to greater clarity and satisfaction in a digitally saturated world.