A coalition of opposition political parties and stakeholders under the G-100 platform will hold a summit in Abuja on August 18, 2026. The meeting is part of efforts to unite opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The planned summit follows consultations between G-100 representatives and leaders of six opposition parties. The parties are the African Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, National Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.
G-100 said the consultations had created an opportunity for deeper discussions on opposition cooperation. The group wants the parties to work together and present a credible alternative to Nigerians in 2027.
G-100 consults opposition leaders
In a statement issued on Monday, Salihu Lukman said the consultations had involved key leaders of the participating parties. Lukman signed the statement on behalf of the G-100. He said the group met national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the opposition parties.
G-100 said it deliberately kept the meetings away from the media. According to the group, the decision allowed the political actors to discuss sensitive issues without public pressure.
“We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary,” the statement read.
The group said the meetings produced a common position on opposition cooperation. It said the parties must overcome their differences and build a coordinated political front ahead of the elections.
“Across these conversations, there has been a clear recognition of the need for Nigeria’s opposition parties to work more closely together ahead of the 2027 general elections,” it said.
However, G-100 admitted that achieving opposition unity would require difficult decisions. The group said the parties would have to make concessions to reach an agreement. It added that the leaders must also be ready to put national interests ahead of personal and partisan ambitions.
Opposition parties face difficult negotiations
The August 18 summit is expected to open detailed discussions on the proposed cooperation. G-100 said it would not dictate the outcome of the talks. Instead, the group said it would facilitate dialogue and help build confidence among the participating parties.
“The G-100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations. Our role is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence and help create the conditions in which the participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action,” it said.
The group said any agreement must recognise the legitimate interests of the participating parties. At the same time, it stressed that the wider interests of Nigerians should remain the priority. G-100 also said the process could not succeed if political parties imposed decisions on one another. It therefore pledged to promote an inclusive process based on mutual respect.
G-100 pushes for single opposition candidate
The summit will also draw from the principles contained in the Ibadan Declaration. The declaration called on opposition parties to find a credible path towards presenting a sole candidate in the 2027 elections. G-100 said it was encouraged by the level of agreement among the opposition leaders consulted so far.
However, the group said political goodwill must now produce a workable framework for cooperation. Preparations for the August 18 summit are already underway, G-100 said representatives of the participating parties were involved in the preparations.
The group also promised to keep the process deliberate and inclusive. It stressed that sustainable political cooperation could not be imposed on political parties.
2027 opposition coalition gains momentum
The latest initiative comes amid growing efforts by opposition politicians to form a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Several opposition parties and prominent political figures have shown interest in working together. As a result, discussions about alliances and a common candidate have become more prominent in opposition politics.
The parties also face questions over power-sharing and the structure of any possible coalition. G-100 warned that a fragmented opposition could struggle to mount an effective electoral challenge. The group said this could happen regardless of the strength of individual parties or candidates.
“The central argument of the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition remains unchanged: Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when citizens are presented with a credible alternative capable of competing effectively for their mandate,” it said.
The group also warned that continued division could weaken the opposition’s efforts.
“At this critical moment in our national journey, fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alternative serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people,” the statement added.
G-100 said the consultations held over the past week were only the beginning of a wider negotiation process. It called on political leaders to approach the process with patience and courage. The group also urged them to make the sacrifices required to achieve greater opposition cooperation.
“The task ahead will require patience, courage and, above all, sacrifice,” it said.
The August 18 summit could become a major test of the opposition parties’ willingness to move beyond individual political interests. It will also show whether the parties can begin building a common platform ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as political parties upload details of their presidential candidates and running mates on the Independent National Electoral Commission portal.
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