Single candidacy: Opposition leaders, parties in coalition talks

File photo: Former All Progressives Congress National Vice-Chairman, Salihu Lukman.

The National chairmen and secretaries of six opposition political parties have held consultations with presidential candidates of their respective parties as part of efforts to explore a common strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday issued on behalf of the coalition parties, adding that discussions were ongoing.

The consultations, according to the statement, involved the African Democratic Congress, Allied People’s Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party and Peoples Redemption Party.

According to Lukman, those consulted included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the APM, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the NDC, Adewole Adebayo of the SDP and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the PRP.

The meetings are part of efforts to implement resolutions reached at the G-100 opposition summit, which called for sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation among opposition parties to defend multiparty democracy and protect the interests of Nigerians.

Although no agreement on a single presidential candidate was announced, the consultations signal a continuing effort to establish common ground among opposition parties ahead of the election.

Lukman said the discussions were intended to develop a framework for cooperation, identify shared priorities and determine the steps required to advance a common democratic agenda.

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“The consultations remain ongoing. Further engagements will build on the G-100 resolutions and the commitment to an opposition that is organised, responsible and capable of working together in the national interest,” he said.

He added that Nigerians would be informed of substantive decisions and agreed next steps as the deliberations progressed.

The move comes amid continuing efforts by opposition leaders to overcome political differences and develop a viable challenge to the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027.

The question of a single opposition presidential candidate has remained central to discussions about the prospects of defeating the APC, with political stakeholders divided over the choice of candidate, the platform to be adopted and the formula for reaching a consensus.

Atiku and Obi, who finished second and third, respectively, in the 2023 presidential election, remain influential figures in the opposition, while other presidential contenders and party leaders are also seeking a role in shaping the coalition’s direction.

The latest consultations could provide a platform for addressing these competing interests, although it remains unclear how the parties intend to select a consensus candidate or whether all participating leaders would agree to support one candidate.

Lukman said the process was driven by the belief that Nigeria’s challenges required engagement across party lines and that political leaders must place the country’s future, citizens’ welfare and electoral credibility above narrow partisan interests.

The coalition is expected to continue its consultations as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.