Single Opposition Candidate: Lukman-led Committee Begins Operation Sept 21

The Central Leadership Committee established at the August 31 Summit of Opposition Parties to pick a single opposition candidate, said its working groups are expected to commence operations during the week of September 21 to 27.

It however said efforts to translate the resolutions of the summit into concrete actions ahead of the 2027 general elections has begun.

This was contained in a statement signed by Lukman on September 17, 2026, on behalf of the coalition parties.

The committee held its inaugural meeting on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, where members agreed on operational principles intended to ensure equal opportunity and mutual respect among the opposition parties involved in the emerging coalition.

A key decision was for the chairmanship of the committee’s meetings to rotate among the participating parties in alphabetical order. According to a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties, the arrangement was adopted on the principle that “a coalition founded upon equality must demonstrate equality in its own conduct.”

The committee also reviewed the communiqué issued at the August summit and began work on implementing its resolutions, with particular attention to the operationalisation of the Publicity Committee, Legal Committee and five Working Groups established by the summit.

The coalition parties agreed to submit the names of their nominees to the Secretariat by the close of work on Friday, September 18.

The Central Leadership Committee further resolved to expand the coalition to include other opposition parties that have expressed interest in joining the initiative.

The committee is scheduled to reconvene on Wednesday, September 23, and said it would meet regularly as part of efforts to unite opposition parties and present a common front in the 2027 elections.