The push for a unified opposition presidential candidate ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election is facing fresh uncertainty, as political parties and opposition blocs continue to hold different views on how the proposed alliance should be achieved.
The development followed a proposal by the Group of 100 Nigerians, popularly known as G100, led by former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Salisu Lukman. The group has called on opposition parties, presidential hopefuls and political stakeholders to put forward one candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu at the 2027 polls.
According to the group, allowing several opposition candidates to contest separately could weaken their collective chances of defeating the incumbent government. G100 has therefore urged opposition figures to prioritise the national interest over personal political ambitions.
Lukman specifically appealed to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), their prospective running mates, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as other opposition politicians, to consider the broader objective of forming a formidable political alternative.
As part of efforts to advance the proposal, Lukman earlier announced plans for an opposition summit scheduled to take place in Abuja on August 18. The meeting is expected to provide a platform for various opposition groups to discuss possible areas of cooperation and explore the prospects of presenting a common presidential candidate.
However, uncertainty remains over the level of support the initiative will receive from the major political actors expected to participate.
Speaking with Punch, Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, declined to confirm whether the former vice president would attend the Abuja gathering.
Shaibu explained that Atiku’s participation would only be confirmed after his schedule and other arrangements had been finalised. He added that any decision regarding the former vice president’s attendance would be officially communicated.
Despite the uncertainty, Shaibu expressed support for genuine efforts aimed at strengthening the opposition and creating a credible political alternative ahead of the 2027 election.
He said Atiku had repeatedly advocated for opposition leaders and other Nigerians committed to democracy to place the country’s interests above individual ambitions and partisan considerations.
According to him, there is value in establishing the widest possible democratic alliance, provided the process is conducted openly and fairly.
Shaibu stressed that any arrangement designed to unite opposition forces must be transparent, inclusive and democratic. He maintained that the eventual candidate should be someone capable of securing the trust and support of Nigerians.
On the question of whether Atiku would accept a single-candidate arrangement, Shaibu avoided giving a definite answer. He disclosed that the former vice president was currently engaging political leaders and stakeholders across the opposition spectrum.
He described such discussions as necessary at this stage of the political process, stressing that the ultimate objective should extend beyond the ambition of any individual politician.
According to him, the broader goal is to strengthen democratic opposition, safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions and provide voters with a credible alternative in 2027.
Shaibu further stated that the results of the ongoing consultations would be disclosed publicly when the appropriate time comes, leaving the final shape of the proposed opposition alliance uncertain ahead of the August 18 summit.
