A fresh attempt to unite Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election begins in Abuja today, with participating parties expected to discuss how to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC. The summit, organised by the G-100 political pressure group, is expected to bring together opposition parties and political […]
A fresh attempt to unite Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 presidential election begins in Abuja today, with participating parties expected to discuss how to mount a stronger challenge against President Bola Tinubu and the ruling APC.
The summit, organised by the G-100 political pressure group, is expected to bring together opposition parties and political figures interested in greater cooperation ahead of the general elections.
The meeting will take place at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja and is expected to focus on practical ways opposition parties can coordinate their political activities and overcome the divisions that have historically weakened their chances against incumbent governments.
But even before the meeting begins, disagreements have emerged over participation, alliance arrangements and the possibility of producing a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The Social Democratic Party and the Peoples Redemption Party have confirmed that they will participate in the gathering, while the Peoples Democratic Party has rejected any connection with the summit.
The G-100, headed by former Progressives Governors Forum Director-General Salihu Lukman, believes that an opposition divided among multiple candidates could make it easier for the ruling party to retain power.
In a statement released on Sunday, the group urged political parties to temporarily put aside their differences and examine areas where cooperation could serve the broader interests of the country.
The group acknowledged that opposition parties have different histories, structures, ambitions and political identities, but argued that these differences should not prevent them from cooperating where their interests overlap.
It said the objective was not to compel political parties to surrender their identities or presidential ambitions, but to create a platform for dialogue, coordination and negotiations.
The G-100 also pointed to previous elections, arguing that divided opposition forces can unintentionally strengthen an incumbent by scattering votes and resources among several competing candidates.
For the SDP, the summit represents an opportunity to work with other political actors seeking an alternative political direction for Nigeria.
Its National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, confirmed that presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and the party’s national leadership would attend the meeting.
The PRP also confirmed its presence, with its National Publicity Secretary, Bello Ishaq, stating that the party would participate in the summit.
The PDP, however, has taken a completely different position.
The party said it was neither aware of the gathering nor involved in any opposition alliance arrangement outside its established structures. Its National Caretaker Committee spokesman, Jungudo Mohammed, said any opposition discussion without the PDP would fail.
Despite the setback, the G-100 maintained that Monday’s summit should not become another contest for supremacy among opposition politicians.
The group said the meeting should instead begin the process of developing a workable structure through which opposition parties can cooperate while maintaining their individual identities and political interests.
It also urged political leaders to approach the discussions in good faith, warning that disagreements and competing ambitions should not prevent them from creating a credible alternative for Nigerians.
The meeting comes amid growing political manoeuvring ahead of 2027, as Tinubu prepares to seek another term and opposition politicians intensify efforts to develop a coalition capable of challenging the APC at the presidential level.