Opposition political leaders in Nigeria have begun consultations to produce a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. A meeting was held in Abuja between leaders of some opposition parties and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who is the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). The meeting discussed the requirements for producing and sustaining a single presidential candidacy.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). The parties involved are considering backing a single presidential candidate. Consultations are ongoing, and party leaders will meet other presidential candidates to build consensus.
The PRP has confirmed the meeting and stated that Atiku Abubakar welcomed the opposition coalition and encouraged its leaders to sustain the movement ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku expressed support for the efforts and encouraged the leaders to maintain the momentum. The PRP described the engagement as "a source of tremendous inspiration" to the delegation.
The opposition coalition comes as Atiku separately endorsed the "Tinubu Must Go" movement after receiving one of its conveners, Abba Hikima. Atiku said the movement reflected a growing national demand for political change and invited Nigerians who shared its objectives to join. The PRP also condemned the reported arrest and arraignment of five youths in Borno State over T-shirts bearing the inscription "Tinubu Must Go".
The current consultations follow an initiative by the G-100, a group of politicians seeking to bring opposition parties and presidential candidates together to present a common front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. The group has been seeking cooperation among several parties, including the ADC, PDP, NDC, PRP, SDP, and APM.
The initiative is expected to bring together presidential candidates, running mates, and national chairmen of the parties to discuss the possibility of producing a consensus candidate. Several presidential candidates have featured in the discussions, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Seyi Makinde, Donald Duke, Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer, and Senator Sandy Onor.
The G-100, led by former Director-General of the Progressives Governors' Forum, Salihu Lukman, argues that opposition parties need to work together to build a viable alternative to the ruling party. While some opposition leaders have expressed willingness to explore the arrangement, questions remain over whether individual presidential candidates and their supporters would agree to step aside in favour of a consensus candidate.
Key points
- Opposition parties in Nigeria are pushing for a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the 2027 election.
- The G-100 initiative aims to bring together opposition parties and presidential candidates to present a common front against the ruling APC in 2027.
- Atiku Abubakar has endorsed the "Tinubu Must Go" movement, reflecting a growing national demand for political change.
