The G100 coalition says it has completed the first phase of consultations with major opposition figures and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections. The coalition said the discussions were part of efforts to develop a united opposition capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.
Among those consulted were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde. The group also held discussions with representatives of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, and Social Democratic Party, SDP.
Speaking on Arise Television, an African Democratic Congress, ADC, chieftain, Salihu Lukman, said the consultations were designed to encourage opposition leaders to develop stronger relationships ahead of the next election.
According to Lukman, the discussions indicated that the political actors understood the need to place national interest above individual ambitions. He said the G100 was not attempting to impose an arrangement on the opposition leaders but was facilitating conversations that could eventually produce a workable political platform.
Lukman said representatives nominated by the participating parties were already engaging with the coalition to prepare for a broader meeting where concrete proposals would be discussed. He added that building trust among the opposition figures would be crucial because achieving unity would require each politician to make significant sacrifices.
Lukman acknowledged that the ambitions of leading opposition politicians remained one of the biggest obstacles to achieving consensus. He noted that several of the politicians involved had presidential ambitions, while only one person could eventually emerge as president.
According to him, allowing the opposition figures to contest separately could divide their support and strengthen the APC’s chances of retaining power. He warned that a repeat of the 2023 experience, when opposition votes were divided among several candidates, could weaken the opposition’s collective position.
Lukman said the coalition’s objective went beyond producing a single opposition candidate for the 2027 election. He said Nigerians also needed to understand what an alternative government would do differently if elected.
According to him, the opposition must present practical solutions to the country’s major challenges rather than campaign solely on the promise of replacing the current government. He said the process should therefore produce both political cooperation and a clear policy agenda capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic and social problems.
The ADC chieftain said the coalition was working within a limited timeframe and had set another target for bringing the opposition actors together for further consultations. He admitted that achieving a common political arrangement would be difficult, given the competing interests involved.
However, he expressed optimism that continued engagement could produce a stronger and more credible opposition platform ahead of the 2027 elections. Lukman maintained that the overriding consideration should remain the national interest, rather than the individual ambitions of political leaders.
