A group of opposition politicians operating under the G-100 platform has intensified efforts to unite Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The group on Tuesday held discussions with the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives as part of its campaign to persuade opposition parties to set aside individual interests and agree on one presidential candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu and the All Progressives Congress (APC).
The delegation was headed by former Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum and G-100 Convener, Salihu Lukman, while the House Minority Leader, Fred Agbedi, represented the lawmakers at the meeting.
Lukman expressed concern over the country’s current political and economic situation, as well as the weakening position of opposition parties.
He warned that continued division among opposition groups could produce a repeat of the 2023 presidential election, when the opposition vote was split among several candidates, ultimately giving the ruling APC an advantage.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain maintained that opposition politicians must be willing to make personal sacrifices if they genuinely want to provide an alternative government in 2027.
He argued that Nigeria could not afford another four years under the APC and called on political leaders to begin serious negotiations aimed at creating a united opposition platform.
According to Lukman, the G-100 was formed because of concerns over the direction of the country and the inability of opposition parties to work together effectively.
He explained that the organisation began its consultations with major opposition stakeholders to encourage them to consider a common political arrangement ahead of the next presidential election.
Lukman revealed that representatives of the group had already engaged political leaders from several opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, New Nigeria Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party, Action Peoples Movement, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.
He said the consultations had involved presidential candidates, running mates and national party chairmen, adding that the discussions had produced encouraging reactions.
According to him, the positive responses informed the decision to organise a broader gathering of opposition leaders at a national summit scheduled for August 31.
He appealed to members of the House Minority Caucus and other opposition figures to participate in the initiative, stressing that the G-100 was not seeking to take ownership of the movement.
Lukman said the objective was to bring together political leaders and Nigerians who shared the desire to establish a formidable alternative to the APC.
He further disclosed that the group, which initially consisted of about 100 members, had expanded considerably as more people joined the campaign for opposition unity.
Responding to the delegation, Agbedi expressed the support of the House Minority Caucus for the G-100 initiative.
He disclosed that lawmakers had independently begun discussions with opposition parties, presidential hopefuls and other political stakeholders in preparation for the 2027 contest.
Agbedi said the objectives of the G-100 were consistent with the caucus’ own efforts to strengthen cooperation among opposition parties.
He assured the group that the lawmakers were prepared to participate in the technical committee established to advance the unity process.
The Minority Leader said members of the caucus had been using their recess period to consult with political parties and presidential candidates, with the aim of creating a stronger opposition coalition.
Former House member Sergius Ogun also backed the proposal, arguing that opposition parties would have a much better chance of defeating Tinubu if they united behind a single candidate.
He maintained that a coordinated opposition would make the 2027 contest more competitive and urged political leaders to prioritise the collective interest over individual ambitions.
