Again, Nigeria’ s Opposition Parties Rally Forces Ahead 2027 Elections

By Ayodele Oni

Ahead 2027 general elections, another attempt is being made by opposition political parties to forge an alliance aimed at defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

To this end, a major political meeting aimed at building a stronger opposition ahead of the  presidential election is scheduled to hold in Abuja on August 18, 2026.

The meeting is being facilitated by the G100, a coalition of concerned Nigerians seeking greater cooperation among opposition parties and political leaders.

Leaders of the group claimed that they have held consultations with several opposition parties and their leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Seyi Makinde.

The consultations also involved the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

According to the G100, the discussions have been positive and focused on how opposition parties can work together ahead of 2027. The group said the process would require compromise, sacrifice and putting national interest above individual political ambitions.

The biggest challenge, however, will be deciding who leads any possible alliance. Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso are all major political figures with established support bases, while Makinde has significant influence in the South-West and within the APM/PDP.

The 2023 election showed the danger of opposition division. Atiku, Obi and Kwankwaso contested separately, dividing the opposition vote. A united opposition could therefore create a different electoral calculation in 2027.

But bringing these political interests together will not be easy. Personal ambitions, party structures, regional considerations, zoning and the choice of presidential candidate could become major points of disagreement.

For President Bola Tinubu and the APC, the proposed opposition unity deserves attention, but the August 18 summit should not automatically be interpreted as the formation of a presidential alliance.

 It will be recalled that similar meeting was held in Ibadan, Oyo state also attended by prominent opposition figures.

The outcome of the meeting is defections by politicians interested in becoming presidential candidates, leading to bifurcation of the opposition parties.