A coalition of Nigerian opposition parties is set to unveil key policy decisions and provide an update on its efforts to produce a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections. The coalition, which includes several opposition parties, will hold a major gathering next Thursday to announce its positions, policy proposals, and commitments.
Despite ongoing consultations and assurances from opposition leaders that efforts to unite against the APC remain on course, the parties have yet to reach an agreement on the possibility of fielding a consensus presidential candidate. Several opposition figures are still pursuing their individual presidential ambitions, with no clear indication that any of the major contenders is prepared to withdraw from the race in favour of another candidate.
The G100, a group established to promote cooperation among opposition political parties and their presidential candidates, has continued to facilitate discussions aimed at building a united front. The group has reportedly held consultations with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other influential political figures.
National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, confirmed that opposition parties were considering several options, including the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate. Baba-Ahmed said discussions among the parties had recorded considerable progress over the past two to three months, adding that there was a growing understanding that cooperation was necessary to defeat the APC.
The coalition’s foremost objective is to prevent the ruling party from securing another term, which Baba-Ahmed accused the Tinubu administration of damaging Nigerians’ lives and the economy since assuming office in 2023. Defeating the ruling party would require a united opposition rather than individual political parties attempting to challenge the APC independently, Baba-Ahmed stressed.
However, the possibility of reaching an agreement on a single candidate appears uncertain, given the positions of some of the major political parties involved in the discussions. The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), which has former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi as its presidential candidate, has declared that it will not withdraw its candidate in favour of any consensus candidate from another political party.
The opposition coalition will hold a major gathering next Thursday to present its policy decisions and commitments to Nigerians. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the consensus arrangement, Baba-Ahmed expressed optimism about the progress made so far, adding that the coalition is pursuing all available options and is confident that it will be able to defeat Tinubu’s administration.
Key points
- Opposition parties in Nigeria form coalition to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027 elections.
- Agreement on single presidential candidate uncertain amidst ongoing consultations.
- Coalition to unveil policy decisions and commitments to Nigerians next Thursday.
