Nigeria’s opposition leaders have opened fresh consultations on forming a common political front to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 general elections.
Those involved in the discussions include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Donald Duke, Adebayo Adewole Ebenezer and Sandy Onor. The talks are being facilitated by the G100, a political advocacy group led by Salihu Lukman.
The consultations followed an August 2, 2026 open letter by the G100 to opposition leaders, civil society organisations and other Nigerians, in which it introduced what it called the “Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition”. The group said the doctrine is aimed at promoting a stronger and more competitive opposition capable of offering voters a credible alternative to the APC.
The G100 said it has engaged leaders of six opposition parties, including presidential candidates, running mates and national chairmen. The parties are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The group said the discussions have shown growing support for greater cooperation among opposition parties, although the leaders have yet to agree on a joint presidential candidate or the structure of any possible alliance. The talks have also been kept largely away from public attention to allow participants to negotiate freely without pressure from the media.
The push for an alliance comes amid concerns that several opposition candidates could divide the anti-APC vote and improve the ruling party’s chances in 2027. The G100 said a successful coalition would require political leaders to build trust, compromise on individual ambitions and put broader national interests ahead of party calculations.
Separately, Atiku’s Senior Political Assistant, Demola Olarewaju, has described the long-running disagreement between Atiku and former President Olusegun Obasanjo as political rather than personal. Speaking on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ogun State, Olarewaju said Atiku still holds Obasanjo in high regard, while arguing that their political differences were linked to Obasanjo’s opposition to Atiku becoming president.
The opposition discussions are taking place alongside moves within the governing camp to strengthen Tinubu’s re-election campaign. FCT Minister Nyesom Wike has denied reports that he is lobbying to become Director-General of the APC Presidential Campaign Council, saying his support for Tinubu’s 2027 bid does not depend on holding a campaign position.
Supporters of the president have also played down the proposed opposition alliance. The Renewed Hope Project 2027 described the coalition effort as an “exercise in futility”, arguing that Tinubu’s performance in office, rather than opposition calculations, will ultimately determine the 2027 election. The group said it plans to take the administration’s policies and achievements directly to voters across the country.
