2027: Opposition Parties Begin Talks on Single Candidate

A coalition of opposition political parties and stakeholders under the G-100 platform is set to hold a summit in Abuja on August 18, 2026, as part of efforts to build greater unity ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The summit follows consultations between representatives of the G-100 and leaders of six opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, National Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the G-100, the group said the consultations had laid the groundwork for deeper discussions on how opposition parties could work together to present a credible alternative to Nigerians in 2027.

The group said its representatives met with national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the opposition parties.

According to the G-100, the meetings were deliberately held away from the media to allow party leaders to discuss sensitive issues openly without the pressure of public scrutiny.

The group said a common position emerged from the consultations, particularly on the need for opposition parties to overcome their differences and establish a more coordinated political platform ahead of the 2027 elections.

It, however, acknowledged that achieving opposition unity would require significant concessions from the parties and their leaders.

The G-100 said those consulted recognised that a credible opposition could only emerge through sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place the broader interests of the country above narrow partisan and individual ambitions.

The August 18 summit is expected to provide a platform for the parties to begin discussions on possible areas of cooperation, including the prospect of presenting a single candidate against the ruling party in 2027.

The group stressed that it would not impose any particular outcome on the parties but would facilitate dialogue, build confidence and create an environment for the various political interests to consider difficult questions surrounding cooperation and collective action.

The G-100 added that any agreement reached must respect the legitimate interests of the participating political organisations while placing the broader interests of Nigerians above individual or partisan ambitions.