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2027: Opposition Leaders Meet Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Three Other Presidential Candidates Over Single Candidate Against Tinubu
2027: Opposition Leaders Meet Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Three Other Presidential Candidates Over Single Candidate Against Tinubu
Leaders of six opposition political parties in Nigeria have commenced consultations with five presidential candidates, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, in a fresh move to strengthen opposition cooperation and explore the possibility of presenting a single presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
The consultations, which bring together key opposition figures and party leaders, are part of ongoing efforts to build a common political front capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and potentially reshaping the contest for Nigeria’s highest political office in 2027.
The G-100, which announced the development in a statement issued by Salihu Lukman on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, said the engagements followed resolutions reached at its recent Opposition Summit, where participants called for stronger collaboration, sustained dialogue and a coordinated strategy among opposition parties ahead of the January 16 presidential poll.
According to the statement, the consultations involved the national chairmen and national secretaries of six political parties: 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).
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The opposition party leaders held discussions with five presidential candidates, namely Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, Peter Obi of the NDC, Seyi Makinde of the APM, Adewole Adebayo of the SDP and Donald Duke of the PRP.
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The discussions are understood to form part of a broader effort to determine how opposition parties can work together ahead of the 2027 presidential election, including the possibility of adopting a common candidate capable of consolidating opposition votes and mounting a stronger challenge to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The initiative comes amid growing conversations about political alliances, electoral competitiveness and the need for opposition parties to overcome divisions that could weaken their chances at the polls. However, the consultations do not in themselves establish that the parties have agreed to endorse a single candidate, as discussions on the framework and terms of cooperation are still ongoing.
Explaining the purpose of the engagements, the G-100 said the consultations were designed to implement the resolutions adopted at the opposition summit and establish a foundation for more structured cooperation among the participating political parties.
“These engagements are being undertaken in furtherance of the resolutions of the G100 Opposition Summit, which called for sustained dialogue, stronger cooperation and a coordinated approach among opposition parties in defence of multiparty democracy and the interests of the Nigerian people.”
Lukman described the meetings as a practical step towards translating the summit’s resolutions into concrete political action, noting that the consultations offered party leaders and presidential candidates an opportunity to discuss areas of agreement and examine possible arrangements for working together before the 2027 election.
“The consultations represent a practical step towards giving effect to those resolutions. They provide an opportunity for party leaders and presidential candidates to deliberate on the framework for opposition cooperation, identify areas of common ground and consider the steps necessary to advance a shared democratic agenda ahead of 2027.”
Beyond the question of a possible joint presidential ticket, the G-100 emphasised that the consultations were motivated by concerns about Nigeria’s political and economic challenges, as well as the need for political actors to place national interests above individual ambitions and party loyalties.
Lukman maintained that the country’s circumstances required meaningful engagement across political divides, arguing that opposition cooperation should focus on the welfare of Nigerians, the credibility of the electoral process and the future of the country’s democracy.
“At the heart of this process is the conviction that the challenges confronting Nigeria demand serious engagement across party lines. 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,” he said.
The statement further indicated that the consultations had not been concluded, with additional meetings expected as the participating parties continue to explore the possibilities for cooperation and work towards a common understanding of the summit’s resolutions.
“The consultations remain ongoing. Further engagements will build on the G100 resolutions and the commitment to an opposition that is organised, responsible and capable of working together in the national interest,” Lukman stated.
The outcome of the discussions could have significant implications for the 2027 presidential race, particularly if the participating parties eventually agree on a joint strategy or a consensus candidate. Such an arrangement could influence opposition mobilisation, negotiations over political alliances and the distribution of electoral support across the country.
For now, the consultations signal an effort by opposition leaders to keep the possibility of a united front alive as preparations for the next presidential election gather momentum. Whether the talks will produce a single candidate or a broader electoral alliance remains to be seen, but the process highlights the growing importance of negotiations and cooperation in the battle for Nigeria’s presidency in 2027.
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