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Coalition politics: Balogun weighs in on Nigeria's democratic future

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  Published in Politics and Government on Saturday, October 25th 2025 at 16:01 GMT by legit
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Balogun Endorses 2027 Election Coalition as a Safeguard for Nigeria’s Democracy

The prospect of a national coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election has generated fresh debate across Nigeria’s political landscape. Former Minister of State for Education, Gbolahan “Baba” Balogun, has publicly declared that forming an umbrella alliance among opposition parties is not only prudent but essential for safeguarding the country’s democratic trajectory. His comments, published in an article on Legit.ng, tap into long‑standing anxieties about the dominance of the All‑Progressive Congress (APC) and the risk of vote‑splitting that can fracture the opposition’s influence.

The Core Argument

Balogun’s central thesis is that a united opposition front will increase the likelihood of electoral success and, more importantly, reinforce democratic norms. He cautions that the absence of a coalition could result in a “fragmented vote” that would allow the APC to win with a plurality, a scenario that could deepen existing divides and undermine public confidence in the electoral process.

In his words: “A coalition is not a concession to power; it is a strategic necessity that preserves the democratic survival of the nation.” He also acknowledges that the political bargaining required to forge such a coalition is “challenging, but not insurmountable.” By underscoring the need for compromise, Balogun seeks to rally opposition leaders, especially from the People's Democratic Party (PDP), the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), and the Action Democratic Party (ADP), into a cohesive ticket.

Historical Context and Precedents

The article draws on Nigeria’s own political history to frame the argument. Balogun references the 1993 presidential election, where the PDP’s victory over the NRC was seen as a triumph of democratic aspirations—yet the subsequent annulment by the military regime sparked a decade of political instability. He also cites the 2003 coalition government that brought the PDP and the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) together to support President Olusegun Obasanjo, arguing that such alliances can foster policy continuity and institutional stability.

By bringing in these examples, Balogun underscores that alliances have long been part of Nigeria’s democratic experiments, and the new coalition can be seen as a natural evolution of that practice.

Reactions from Other Political Figures

The article includes a brief analysis of how key political figures have responded to Balogun’s call. Notably:

• Bola Tinubu, the current APC presidential candidate, has remained largely silent, but media reports suggest he views coalition politics with caution, fearing it could weaken the APC’s base.
• Emefiele, the Governor of Anambra State, has hinted at a possible partnership with the PDP, aligning with Balogun’s vision of a broader alliance.
• Yemi Osinbajo, the Vice President, has expressed a preference for intra‑party reforms, arguing that the APC’s strength lies in its grassroots mobilization rather than external coalitions.

Legislative and Electoral Framework

To contextualize the feasibility of a coalition, the article references the Nigeria Electoral Act 2023, which stipulates the eligibility of parties for national representation. Balogun stresses that any coalition must comply with the act’s requirements, particularly concerning party registration, internal democracy, and transparency. The article also links to a detailed report on the Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN)’s guidelines, which clarify that while coalitions are permissible, they must be formally registered and present a single candidate for presidential elections.

Potential Benefits and Risks

The piece outlines both the potential upside and the pitfalls of a coalition:

• Benefits: A single, charismatic opposition candidate could galvanize the electorate, reduce the risk of an APC majority by splitting the opposition vote, and demonstrate a commitment to national unity.
• Risks: Coalition negotiations could expose ideological rifts, potentially leading to internal conflicts. There is also the danger that a coalition might dilute the distinct policy platforms of its constituent parties, leading to voter apathy.

Balogun counters these risks by calling for “clear ideological alignment” and a “robust power‑sharing agreement” that safeguards each party’s core values.

Conclusion

The call for a 2027 election coalition, championed by Balogun, resonates with a segment of Nigerian politicians who fear that the APC’s dominance could erode democratic checks and balances. By framing the coalition as a strategic necessity, Balogun offers a potential blueprint for opposition unity that could shape the country’s political future. Whether the opposition can coalesce around a single candidate, navigate intra‑party politics, and comply with the legal framework remains to be seen. What is certain, however, is that the conversation about a national coalition has entered mainstream political discourse, signaling a shift in how Nigerian democracy may be contested in the coming years.