By Felix Olukayode
Opposition politicians in Nigeria appear to be moving closer to a common political front ahead of the 2027 general elections, with former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, and other political actors showing varying degrees of interest in efforts to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The latest push is being coordinated by the G100, which says it has begun consultations with leaders of six opposition parties and is planning a summit in Abuja on August 18.
The consultations focus on building cooperation among opposition parties and possibly forming a stronger platform to challenge President Bola Tinubu’s re-election bid. The G100 stated that its discussions with party leaders, presidential candidates, and running mates had been “frank, constructive, and encouraging,” but emphasized that it was not trying to dictate the outcome of the negotiations.
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has expressed support for genuine efforts to build opposition unity. His aide, Phrank Shaibu, said Atiku believes the challenge facing the opposition “is bigger than any individual or political party” and that national interest should take precedence over personal ambitions. Atiku’s position could give the proposed coalition significant political weight, particularly if other major opposition figures agree to compromise on the choice of a presidential candidate.
Makinde has also indicated that there is nothing “strange, unlawful, or undemocratic” about political leaders coming together to discuss Nigeria’s future. Peter Obi and other opposition figures have likewise been associated with the broader consultations, while the G100 says its immediate objective is to create room for dialogue on cooperation, accommodation, and collective action.
The prospect of a united opposition has, however, triggered a dismissive response from supporters of President Tinubu. Speaking at the inauguration of the Renewed Hope Project 2027 in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume, said the ruling camp would campaign on the record of the administration. The group’s Board of Trustees chairman, Maj.-Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd.), described the proposed alliance as an “exercise in futility”, insisting that it would not threaten Tinubu’s re-election prospects.
However, political pundits think that the coalition, if successfully negotiated, could significantly reshape the 2027 contest by pooling votes, political structures, funding, and grassroots networks that were divided among rival candidates in 2023. It could also force the APC to confront a more formidable single challenger. But, they remain circumspect about the chances of success, which remain uncertain: the opposition must overcome competing presidential ambitions, differences among parties, regional interests, and the difficult question of who would lead a common ticket.
Ultimately, the proposed alliance will be judged less by the number of prominent politicians at the negotiating table than by their willingness to set aside individual ambitions for a common cause. A credible opposition coalition could make 2027 a much closer contest for the APC; however, the failure to agree on a candidate and a workable power-sharing arrangement could once again leave opposition votes divided and give the ruling party a clear advantage, political pundits believe.