Uncertainty continues to surround plans for a single opposition candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
The proposal followed a call by the G-100, led by former All Progressives Congress chieftain, Salisu Lukman. The group wants opposition leaders to unite against the APC and President Bola Tinubu. The group has invited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition figures to an August 18 summit in Abuja.
Atiku considers opposition talks
Atiku’s camp welcomed the idea of opposition cooperation but has not confirmed his attendance at the summit. His Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, said Atiku supports efforts to build a broad opposition coalition.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar welcomes every genuine initiative aimed at strengthening democratic opposition and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration,” Shaibu said.
He added that Atiku’s attendance would be confirmed after his schedule is finalised. Meanwhile, the Obidient Movement said Obi had received an invitation to the summit. The movement’s National Coordinator, Tanko Yunusa, said the decision to attend would be left to Obi.
“We agree that it is very good for everyone in the opposition to come together under one umbrella,” Yunusa said.
Labour Party wants coalition built around LP
The Labour Party also backed opposition cooperation. However, it wants any coalition to build on its existing structure. Its National Publicity Secretary, Ken Asogwa, said the party’s links with the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress give it a strong nationwide network.
He called on opposition groups seeking a coalition to strengthen the Labour Party rather than create another platform. The Democratic Leadership Alliance took a more cautious position. The party welcomed opposition cooperation but said it was not currently negotiating with the G-100 or any other party over a single candidate.
CUPP backs single candidate
The Coalition of United Political Parties supported the proposed summit. Its spokesperson, Agu Bryan, said the group remained open to supporting a consensus candidate if major opposition figures reached an agreement. He said a united opposition could offer Nigerians a stronger alternative to the Tinubu administration.
However, the different positions show that agreeing on a single candidate could prove difficult. Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso have separate political structures and support bases. The Labour Party and other opposition groups are also seeking to strengthen their positions ahead of 2027.
The August 18 summit could therefore become an early test of whether opposition leaders can put individual interests aside and agree on a common strategy.
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