Nigerian Opposition Parties Pursue Unity for 2027 Presidential Election

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have reaffirmed their commitment to uniting against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election. However, they have yet to reach an agreement on rallying behind a single candidate. Despite efforts by the G100 coalition to establish synergy among various political parties and their candidates, no consensus has been reached. The coalition has held consultations with prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi.

The G100 coalition, formed to promote unity among opposition parties, has not abandoned its goal of presenting a single presidential candidate. According to a source close to Dr. Salihu Lukman, the coalition's convener, talks have not collapsed, and plans are underway for another mega summit to deliberate on the issue. The coalition aims to unveil policy decisions, positions, and commitments to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. This move is part of efforts to build a united front against the APC.

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, National Chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), has confirmed that discussions among opposition parties have made considerable progress in recent months. The parties have agreed that collaboration is necessary to defeat the APC. Baba-Ahmed emphasized that preventing the APC administration from securing another term is a top objective, citing the damage caused to Nigerians' lives and the economy since the 2023 elections.

The possibility of fielding a common presidential candidate is one of several options being examined by the coalition. Baba-Ahmed stressed that the emergence of a single candidate would depend on cooperation among the opposition parties. He expressed confidence in the coalition's prospects, citing the progress made in their discussions. The coalition is assessing available strategies to determine which would best serve its objective.

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has stated that its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, will not step down for any consensus candidate from outside the party. NDC spokesman Ossai Director said that since other opposition presidential candidates have refused to step down, the NDC will also not step down. The party is awaiting the announcement of the consensus candidate by the organisers but will not accept any other candidate aside from Peter Obi.

A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the leadership of Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, has disclosed that the quest for a single presidential candidate against the APC is still on course. Comrade Ini Ememobong, National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, INWC of the PDP, confirmed that efforts to present a single candidate are ongoing.

The opposition coalition is expected to hold a major gathering to unveil policy decisions, positions, and commitments it intends to present to Nigerians ahead of the 2027 elections. The coalition's efforts aim to defeat President Bola Tinubu and the APC in the 2027 general elections. Key to this effort is the possibility of a single presidential candidate, which would require cooperation among the opposition parties.

Key points

• Opposition parties in Nigeria are working towards unity to challenge the ruling APC in the 2027 presidential election.
• The coalition has not yet agreed on a single candidate, with some parties like the NDC refusing to step down.
• The opposition coalition is expected to unveil policy decisions and commitments ahead of the 2027 elections.