The National chairmen and secretaries of six opposition political parties have held consultations with presidential candidates of their respective parties as part of efforts to explore a common strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress, Salihu Lukman, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday issued on behalf of the coalition parties, adding that discussions were ongoing.
The consultations, according to the statement, involved the African Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, Nigeria Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Democratic Party and Peoples Redemption Party.
Those consulted include former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the NDC, former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the PRP, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the APM, and Prince Adewole Adebayo of the SDP.
The meetings are part of efforts to implement resolutions reached at the G-100 Opposition Summit, which called for sustained dialogue and stronger cooperation among opposition parties to defend multiparty democracy and protect the interests of Nigerians.
Although no agreement on a single presidential candidate was announced, the consultations signal a continuing effort to establish common ground among opposition parties ahead of the election.
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Lukman explained that the discussions aimed to establish a framework for collaboration, highlight common priorities, and outline the steps needed to advance a shared democratic agenda.
He further noted that Nigerians would be kept informed of key decisions and agreed actions as the deliberations moved forward.
The move comes amid continuing efforts by opposition leaders to overcome political differences and develop a viable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027.
The question of a single opposition presidential candidate has remained central to discussions about the prospects of defeating the APC, with political stakeholders divided over the choice of candidate, the platform to be adopted and the formula for reaching a consensus.
Atiku and Obi, who finished second and third, respectively, in the 2023 presidential election, remain influential figures in the opposition, while other presidential contenders and party leaders are also seeking a role in shaping the coalition’s direction.
The latest consultations could provide a platform for addressing these competing interests, although it remains unclear how the parties intend to select a consensus candidate or whether all participating leaders would agree to support one candidate.
Lukman said the process was driven by the belief that Nigeria’s challenges required engagement across party lines and that political leaders must place the country’s future, citizens’ welfare and electoral credibility above narrow partisan interests.
The coalition is expected to continue its consultations as political parties prepare for the 2027 elections.
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