Uncertainty looms over the proposal for a united opposition presidential candidate for the 2027 general election. Political parties hold differing views on this arrangement.
This follows a call from the Group of 100 Nigerians, led by former All Progressives Congress member Salisu Lukman, urging opposition candidates and leaders to unite behind a single contender against President Bola Tinubu in 2027. The group encourages figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, and their respective running mates to prioritize collective goals over individual ambitions to challenge the APC-led government.
The G-100 believes that a fragmented opposition, regardless of numbers, would struggle to defeat the ruling party, emphasizing the need for a single candidacy to unify opposition votes.
Recently, Lukman announced a summit in Abuja on August 18, signaling efforts to bring together various opposition factions. However, some parties and movements expected to participate express reservations.
In an interview, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, hinted at the ex-Vice President’s possible attendance at the summit but stated that an official announcement would follow based on his schedule.
Shaibu expressed support for the G-100 initiative, highlighting Atiku’s consistent advocacy for unity among opposition leaders in addressing Nigeria’s challenges. He emphasized that any unification process should be transparent and inclusive, seeking a candidate who can gain public trust.
Regarding the single opposition candidate plan, the ADC candidate remained non-committal, noting ongoing discussions with political leaders across the opposition spectrum as essential at this juncture. He stressed that the goal is to fortify the opposition and offer Nigerians a viable alternative to the current administration.
Details of these consultations will be shared publicly when appropriate.
Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement, backing Peter Obi of the NDC, confirmed that an invitation to the summit had been sent to him, although his participation remains undecided. Tanko Yunusa, the National Coordinator, recognized the need for opposition collaboration but couldn’t confirm separate communications between Atiku and Obi regarding the summit.
The Labour Party endorsed the idea of opposition collaboration but insisted any coalition should build upon its existing structure rather than forming a new political entity. Ken Asogwa, the party’s National Publicity Secretary, argued that their ties with the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress provide a unique organizational advantage not easily matched by other parties.
