2027 Poll: Opposition Parties Visible Only On Social Media, Not Taking Steps To Promote Agenda – Ardo

By Ayodele Oni

Over two months after the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC lifted ban on campaigns ahead 2027 general election, the Convener of the Northern League of Democrats, Umar Ardo, has observed that only the ruling All Progressives Congress APC is actively engaging in visible campaign activities.

INEC lifted ban on campaigns in August 17, thus paving way for political contenders to sell to the electorate their programmes.

Ardo criticised opposition political parties for allegedly neglecting grassroots mobilisation ahead of the general elections.

Ardo made the observation during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he expressed concern over what he described as an imbalance in the emerging political campaigns.

According to him, his observations while moving around Abuja and other parts of the country suggest that the APC is the only major political party actively engaging in visible campaign activities.

He argued that other political contenders appear to be relying heavily on social media, where they frequently respond to developments, rather than taking practical steps to promote their own agendas and define the direction of the 2027 elections

“There is a one-sided political campaign. If you drive around Abuja and other states, it is only APC you will see.

“Other political contenders, you will see them on social media almost always reacting rather than acting and defining the election,” Ardo said.

The political commentator warned that the situation could create the impression that the campaign environment is not balanced, particularly if opposition parties fail to establish a stronger presence among voters at the grassroots level.

He urged opposition groups to move beyond online engagements and take their messages directly to the streets, encouraging them to mobilise supporters, communicate their policies and present clear alternatives to voters.

Ardo maintained that opposition parties should take the initiative in shaping public discussions about the coming election, instead of allowing the ruling party to dominate campaign activities while they remain largely reactive on social media.