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In the run-up to the 2027 general election, a group of opposition politicians, under the aegis of G-100, are intensifying efforts to ensure that the opposition fields a single candidate in the next presidential poll.
The G-100, in a statement by one of its conveners, Salihu Lukman, said that in the aftermath of its open letter to leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and others, articulating a Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition, it had commenced consultations with opposition leaders and stakeholders.
Lukman explained that so far, representatives of G-100 had engaged with the leadership of ADC, NDC, APM, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP), including their national chairmen, presidential candidate and running mates.
He noted that “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. The leaders we have engaged have also acknowledged that achieving a credible and effective opposition will require sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place the larger interests of the country above narrow partisan or individual considerations.
“The G100 is encouraged by this convergence of views. However, we recognise that goodwill must now be translated into a practical framework for cooperation. This is particularly important in giving effect to the principles of the Ibadan Declaration, including its central proposition that Nigeria’s opposition must find a credible pathway towards presenting a united and compe66ve alternative in the 2027 elec6ons.
“To this end, preparations are now underway for a Summit of Opposition Parties, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Abuja, which will provide a structured platform for the par6es themselves to begin the necessary conversations on the modalities for achieving greater opposition unity. “
He noted that “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 par6cipa6ng poli6cal parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action. Any framework that emerges must recognise the legitimate interests and concerns of all participating parties while ensuring that the overriding consideration remains the interests of the Nigerian people.
“We are working with the representatives of the par6es to finalise modalites and arrangements for the Summit. We intend to make this process deliberate, inclusive and anchored on mutual respect, recognising that sustainable political cooperation cannot be imposed, but must be patiently negotiated and collectively owned.
“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. At this cri6cal moment in our na6onal journey, fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alterna6ve serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people.”
