Ajuji Ahmed, the National Chairman of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), has claimed that the Issues affecting opposition parties across Nigeria has been engineered by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure victory in the upcoming 2027 general elections and to facilitate President Bola Tinubu’s bid for a second term.

Speaking during the launch of the NNPP’s campaign in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, Ahmed expressed the party’s commitment to supporting efforts by opposition groups to unite against the ruling APC in order to remove them from power.

He addressed concerns regarding potential electoral manipulation, stating, “There is widespread anxiety about the possibility of the APC attempting to influence the election results, particularly in Ondo State. Typically, ruling parties may not welcome a robust opposition.”

Ahmed emphasized the importance of safeguarding votes on election day by ensuring that credible agents are present to oversee the voting process and the subsequent counting. He asserted, “With proper oversight, we believe the APC will be unable to execute any underhanded tactics.”

He further articulated his belief that the APC is actively seeking to create discord among opposition parties, asserting that their ultimate goal is to secure a win in the 2027 elections.

“There is substantial evidence of their interference in other political parties, but it is crucial for those parties to uphold their integrity and remain united as a strong opposition both before and after the elections,” he remarked.

Ahmed called for a coalition among opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 elections, stating, “The NNPP is open to collaborating with others if a coalition forms. However, if each party decides to operate independently, the NNPP is also ready for that scenario.”

In a similar vein, Edema, a representative of the NNPP, encouraged voters not to be intimidated by the ruling party’s incumbency. He urged the electorate to resist any attempts at vote-buying that could perpetuate the current hardships faced by citizens.

Emphasizing the resilience of the Ondo electorate, Edema declared, “Ondo State is distinct from Edo State or Lagos State. The people of Ondo are among the most educated in the nation, and we are capable of safeguarding our votes. We will stand firm in the face of any intimidation.”