2027: Opposition Leaders Meet Atiku, Obi, Makinde, Others Over Possible Coalition

Opposition political parties in Nigeria have begun consultations with their presidential candidates as part of efforts to develop a common strategy ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Salihu Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman (North-West) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday on behalf of the coalition parties. He said discussions were ongoing as the opposition explored ways to strengthen cooperation.

According to Lukman, the consultations involved 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).

Those consulted reportedly included former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the APM, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi of the NDC, Prince Adewole Adebayo of the SDP and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke of the PRP.

Lukman said the meetings were part of efforts to implement resolutions reached at the G-100 Opposition Summit, which called for sustained dialogue and stronger collaboration among opposition parties to defend multiparty democracy and protect Nigerians’ interests.

He explained that the discussions were intended to establish a framework for cooperation, identify shared priorities and determine practical steps towards a common democratic agenda.

“The consultations remain ongoing. Further engagements will build on the G-100 resolutions and the commitment to an opposition that is organised, responsible and capable of working together in the national interest,” Lukman said.

Although no agreement on a single presidential candidate was announced, the consultations signal continued efforts to find common ground among opposition parties ahead of the election. Lukman said Nigerians would be informed of substantive decisions and agreed next steps as discussions progressed.

The initiative comes as opposition leaders seek to overcome political differences and build a credible challenge to the ruling APC and President Bola Tinubu, who is seeking re-election in 2027. The question of whether opposition parties can rally behind one candidate has remained central to discussions about their electoral prospects.

Atiku and Obi, who finished second and third respectively in the 2023 presidential election, remain prominent figures in the opposition. Other political leaders and presidential contenders are also seeking to influence the coalition’s direction.

However, it remains unclear how the parties intend to select a consensus candidate, which political platform such a candidate might use, or whether all participating leaders would eventually agree to support one contender.

Lukman said the consultations were driven by the belief that Nigeria’s challenges required engagement across party lines, with political leaders placing the country’s future, citizens’ welfare and electoral credibility above narrow partisan interests.