By Opeyemi Adelakun
Nigeria’s opposition parties are closing ranks ahead of the 2027 elections, with six major political parties set to begin fresh talks on how to unite behind a common candidate capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress.
The development followed a series of consultations between the G-100 platform and leaders of the African Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, National Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.
The consultations are expected to culminate in an opposition unity summit scheduled for August 18 in Abuja.
In a statement signed by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the G-100, the group said the meetings had created a basis for deeper discussions on building a coordinated opposition platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group disclosed that its representatives had met with national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the participating opposition parties.
It said the discussions were deliberately kept away from the media to allow the political leaders to address sensitive issues freely.
“We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary,” the statement said.
According to the G-100, a major point of convergence emerged from the consultations — the need for opposition parties to put aside their differences and work towards a more coordinated political front.
“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,” it said.
However, the group acknowledged that forging a united opposition would require major concessions from the parties and their leaders.
It said those involved recognised that an effective opposition could only emerge through “sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place the larger interests of the country above narrow partisan or individual considerations.”
The August 18 summit is expected to provide the opposition parties with an opportunity to discuss the structure and modalities of possible cooperation.
The G-100, however, said it would not dictate the outcome of the negotiations.
“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 participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action,” it said.
The group said any eventual agreement must protect the legitimate interests of the participating parties while placing the broader interests of Nigerians above individual ambitions.
The proposed summit is also expected to draw from the Ibadan Declaration, which called for the opposition to explore a credible pathway towards presenting a sole presidential candidate in 2027.
The G-100 said it was encouraged by what it described as a convergence of views among the leaders already consulted but warned that political goodwill must now translate into a workable arrangement.
The group maintained that a fragmented opposition could struggle to mount an effective challenge to the ruling party, regardless of the strength of individual candidates.
“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,” it said.
It added, “At this critical moment in our national journey, fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alternative serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people.”
The opposition talks come amid increasing political realignment ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with parties and prominent political figures exploring possible alliances and coalition arrangements.
However, the proposed August 18 summit will be a major test of whether the opposition parties can overcome competing ambitions and agree on a common strategy.
The G-100 stressed that the process would be “deliberate, inclusive and anchored on mutual respect”, noting that political cooperation could not be imposed on the parties.
“The task ahead will require patience, courage and, above all, sacrifice,” the group said.
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