Convener of the Northern League of Democrats, Umar Ardo, has criticised opposition political parties for relying heavily on social media instead of engaging voters directly as preparations intensify for Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
Ardo argued that the All Progressives Congress (APC) appeared to have gained an advantage in grassroots mobilisation, with its campaign activities more visible on the streets of Abuja and other parts of the country than those of rival parties.
He made the remarks during an interview on Arise Television’s Prime Time, where he assessed the political atmosphere ahead of the next presidential election.
According to Ardo, opposition parties are spending too much time responding to developments online instead of building their own campaigns, presenting their policies and convincing voters through direct engagement.
“There is a one-sided political campaign. If you drive around Abuja and other states, it is only APC you will see,” he said.
He added that opposition figures were frequently visible on social media reacting to political developments rather than taking the initiative and defining the direction of the campaign.
Ardo Says Opposition Must Take Campaigns to the Streets
The political analyst urged opposition parties to move beyond online criticism and establish stronger connections with voters at the grassroots level.
He argued that social media could help political parties communicate their messages, but it could not replace the work of organising communities, mobilising supporters and building structures across the country.
According to him, opposition parties risk allowing the APC to dominate the political conversation if they continue to respond to the ruling party’s activities instead of setting out their own agendas.
Ardo maintained that opposition candidates needed to be more visible in communities, explain their programmes and convince Nigerians why they should be trusted with political power.
He also suggested that the current situation could create the impression of an uneven political contest, with the ruling party appearing more active on the ground.
His comments reflect his assessment of campaign visibility and political organisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
APC’s Political Structure Gives It an Advantage
Ardo’s latest remarks follow his earlier assessment that the APC enjoys a significant organisational advantage because of its control of state governments and established political structures.
He argued that the ruling party’s network of governors, party officials and grassroots supporters could play a decisive role in mobilising votes for President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid.
According to Ardo, the APC’s reach across the country gives it an advantage that opposition parties cannot easily overcome through online campaigns alone.
He has also argued that widespread dissatisfaction with an administration does not automatically translate into electoral defeat if the opposition lacks the structures needed to convert public discontent into votes.
In his assessment, opposition parties must demonstrate effective organisation, identify their supporters and ensure that their candidates are properly positioned to compete across different constituencies.
Social Media Popularity May Not Guarantee Electoral Victory
Ardo’s comments have renewed debate over the relationship between online political engagement and success at the ballot box.
In recent years, social media has become an important platform for Nigerian politicians to reach young voters, challenge government policies and publicise campaign messages.
However, online popularity does not necessarily reflect the level of support a candidate can mobilise during an election.
Traditional campaign activities, including community meetings, ward-level organisation, rallies and direct contact with voters, remain important parts of political competition.
Ardo’s argument is that opposition parties must combine their online presence with sustained physical engagement if they hope to challenge the ruling party effectively.
His position also places greater emphasis on organisation and mobilisation than on the volume of criticism directed at the government online.
Opposition Faces Pressure Ahead of 2027
The comments come as political parties position themselves for the 2027 general elections, with debates intensifying over the performance of the Tinubu administration, the cost of living and the direction of the Nigerian economy.
The opposition has continued to criticise government policies, while the APC has sought to highlight its political organisation and campaign activities.
Ardo, however, warned that dissatisfaction with the government alone would not guarantee a change in leadership.
He argued that parties seeking to defeat the ruling APC must demonstrate that they can organise effectively, reach voters and present a convincing alternative.
As the election approaches, the ability of political parties to translate their messages into grassroots support could become a major factor in determining the outcome.
For now, Ardo’s assessment is that the APC is more visible on the ground, while opposition parties need to do more than react to political developments online if they want to mount a serious challenge in 2027.
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