Ahead of the 2027 general elections, political analyst and Arise Television Director of Politics, Sumner Sambo, has cautioned that opposition parties must demonstrate capacity and strategic preparedness to mount a credible challenge against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Sambo has repeatedly raised concerns about the opposition's readiness, warning that several parties risk being caught unprepared as the election season approaches.
Opposition 'Docile' on Electoral Act Changes
One of Sambo's key criticisms centers on the opposition's failure to scrutinize the Electoral Act 2026, particularly the mandatory electronic membership registration requirement .
Under Section 77(4) of the amended law, all political parties must submit digital membership registers to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by April 2026 as a precondition for participating in elections . Only individuals on the submitted register can participate in primaries, congresses, or conventions .
Sambo faulted opposition parties for being "seemingly docile" while the legislation was being debated in the National Assembly, noting that the process included public hearings .
"I wonder how the opposition is actually accusing the APC now of having a hindsight or a sort of knowledge that this was going to happen," he said, adding that the APC strategically positioned itself by pushing through the legislation and commencing early compliance .
New Law Blocks Defections
Sambo warned that the new requirement has significant implications for politicians planning last-minute defections .
"What does this mean? It means that you cannot defect from one political party to another because this digital e-registration membership form would have been submitted to INEC," he explained .
He argued that the provision effectively shuts the door on aspirants who fail to secure party tickets, leaving them with limited options . "Anybody who is waiting by May 30 in APC or PDP or ADC to harvest from people who fail to get their ticket is living in dreamland because that provision no longer exists," Sambo stated .
Opposition Coalition Strategy
Despite his critique, Sambo has also warned the APC not to underestimate the opposition. The opposition coalition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as its platform ahead of 2027, naming former Senate President David Mark as national chairman and former Minister Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary .
"When APC started at its formative stage, many Nigerians did not give them opportunities. There is a lot of disaffection within the APC," Sambo noted, cautioning that the ruling party would be "joking" to disregard the ADC .
He also suggested that the ADC may be deploying strategic tactics, using figures like former Minister Rotimi Amaechi to "distract" and "confuse" the APC's election planning committee .
Internal Tensions in APC
Sambo has also predicted internal turbulence within the APC. In May 2026, he stated that "there will be a lot of weeping and gnashing of teeth" in the ruling party in the coming weeks due to disputes arising from party primaries and consensus arrangements .
He cautioned that some political parties may violate the Electoral Act during their primaries and urged Nigerians to pay close attention to the provisions .
Looking Ahead
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, Sambo's comments highlight the critical need for the opposition to demonstrate political organization, strategic awareness, and the capacity to navigate new electoral regulations .
The coming months will be crucial for political parties across Nigeria to position themselves effectively, with internal party processes and compliance with electoral laws likely to dominate the political landscape .
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