Single Opposition Candidate: Lukman-led Coalition Meets Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Adebayo, Others 

A coalition of six opposition political parties has held what it called strategic consultations with presidential candidates as part of efforts to explore cooperation and a possible common political platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The coalition met separately with the candidates in a space of two weeks.

The National Chairmen and National Secretaries of the parties held meetings with presidential candidates, including African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential candidate and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar; Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi; Allied Peoples Movement (APM) Presidential candidate and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde; Social Democratic Party (SDP) presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo; and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) presidential candidate and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.

The consultations, according to a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties, are aimed at advancing opposition cooperation and implementing resolutions reached at the G100 Opposition Summit.

The participating parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

The statement said the engagements were designed to provide a platform for party leaders and presidential candidates to discuss the framework for cooperation, identify areas of common ground and consider measures to advance a shared democratic agenda before the 2027 polls.

Although the consultations have brought together prominent opposition figures, the statement did not announce an agreement on a single opposition presidential candidate.

It, however, indicated that discussions were ongoing, with further engagements expected to build on the resolutions of the G100 Opposition Summit and the participating parties’ commitment to working together.

The coalition said the consultations were driven by the need for opposition parties to respond collectively to Nigeria’s challenges and prioritise the interests of citizens over narrow political considerations.

“Nigerians deserve political leaders who are prepared to place the country’s future, the wellbeing of its citizens and the credibility of its elections above narrow interests,” the statement said.

The group also emphasised the importance of defending multiparty democracy and pursuing a coordinated approach among opposition parties ahead of the next general elections.

It said Nigerians would be informed of substantive decisions and agreed next steps as the deliberations progressed.

The consultations could mark an important stage in ongoing discussions about opposition cooperation ahead of 2027, although the parties have yet to publicly disclose a framework for selecting a joint presidential candidate or resolving potential differences among their political interests.