The G100 alliance, a coalition of opposition stakeholders, is exploring the possibility of a runoff in the 2027 presidential election. This development comes as efforts to persuade former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State governor, Peter Obi, to support a single opposition candidate have not yielded results. According to sources within the G100, consultations with Atiku and Obi are ongoing, but the group is also considering other forms of cooperation should the push for a consensus presidential candidate fail.
The G100 had initially proposed that opposition parties work towards a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. However, the camps of Atiku, the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, and Obi, the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, have maintained their individual presidential ambitions while supporting broader opposition cooperation. The group held its first summit of opposition parties at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua Centre in Abuja on August 31, with representatives of several parties participating.
One of the sources said the discussions with Atiku and Obi were aimed at keeping them involved in the process, regardless of whether they eventually accepted a single-candidate arrangement. The source noted that both leaders had not shown any inclination or acceptance of the single candidacy at this time. However, the G100 is exploring other plans, including a possible runoff or other issues that may come up.
Another source said the possibility of a second round was being considered as part of the alliance's contingency planning. The source noted that Atiku and Obi seem to be less concerned about the single-candidacy plan of the G100. However, they still need one another because the G100, from the statistics and research conducted, may not have a straight-up easy winner. A winner may not emerge in the first round.
Under Section 134 of the Constitution, where no candidate meets the requirements for election as President, a second election may be held between candidates selected in accordance with the constitutional provisions. INEC's regulations provide for a runoff where no candidate meets the required vote and geographical-spread thresholds. The G100 is pushing for a common presidential platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
Several opposition parties, including the PDP faction led by Tanimu Turaki, the Allied Peoples Movement, and the Social Democratic Party, have confirmed their participation in the G100 initiative. The National Publicity Secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led PDP faction, Ini Ememobong, confirmed that the faction remained committed to the G100 activities. The APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, also confirmed the party's continued participation in the G100 discussions.
The G100's consideration of a runoff option highlights the complexities of opposition politics in Nigeria. As the 2027 elections approach, it remains to be seen how the various opposition parties will align and cooperate to challenge the ruling party. The outcome of the G100's efforts will likely have significant implications for the country's electoral landscape.
Key points
- G100 alliance considers runoff option for 2027 presidential election
- Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi resist single opposition ticket
- Opposition parties weigh cooperation options ahead of 2027 elections
