2027: Opposition parties move to unite, pick single candidate

Opposition political parties and key political figures under the G-100 platform are preparing to meet in Abuja on August 18, 2026, to discuss plans for greater cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The meeting is expected to bring together representatives of six opposition parties, including the African Democratic Congress, Allied Peoples Movement, New Democratic Congress, Peoples Democratic Party, Peoples Redemption Party and Social Democratic Party.

The planned summit follows a series of meetings between members of the G-100 and leaders of the opposition parties as efforts continue to find a common political direction ahead of the next presidential election.

The consultations were held privately to allow party leaders to discuss sensitive political matters and possible areas of cooperation without pressure from public scrutiny.

According to the G-100, the discussions so far have shown that several opposition leaders are open to working together and reducing the divisions that could weaken their chances in the 2027 elections.

The group said the August 18 meeting would provide an opportunity for the parties to discuss how they could build a stronger joint platform and possibly agree on a common candidate for the presidential election.

However, the G-100 said it would not force the parties to accept any particular arrangement. Instead, it plans to help the different political groups reach an agreement through discussions and mutual understanding.

The group also said any cooperation would require the parties and their leaders to make compromises and put the wider interests of the country ahead of personal ambitions.

The planned summit is also expected to draw from the Ibadan Declaration, which called on opposition parties to explore ways of presenting a single presidential candidate in the 2027 election.

The G-100 said the discussions held with opposition leaders had produced some areas of agreement, but more work was needed to turn the political understanding into a practical arrangement.

Preparations for the summit are already underway, with representatives of the participating parties being consulted on the proposed format and issues to be discussed.

The group said the process would involve all relevant political interests and would be based on respect and open discussions rather than an arrangement imposed on any party.

The move comes as opposition parties intensify their preparations for the 2027 elections. Several political leaders have been exploring alliances and possible partnerships as they seek to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress.

The G-100 believes that continued division among opposition parties could make it difficult for them to mount a strong challenge, even where individual parties have popular candidates and supporters.

The group has therefore continued to push for a coordinated opposition capable of giving voters another option at the polls.
The August 18 summit is expected to test how far the opposition parties are willing to go in setting aside individual interests and working towards a common political arrangement.

The discussions are taking place at a time when political parties are also completing the submission of their presidential candidates and running mates through the Independent National Electoral Commission portal ahead of the 2027 elections.