Opposition Leaders Consider Coalition for 2027 Elections

The push for a coalition among opposition parties ahead of the 2027 presidential election has garnered mixed reactions from political camps. Supporters of Atiku Abubakar, the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), expressed cautious support for a proposed single-candidate arrangement.

This development follows a call by the Group of 100 Nigerians, led by Salisu Lukman, urging opposition leaders, including Atiku, Peter Obi, and former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, to unite against President Bola Tinubu. The group believes that a single candidate would consolidate votes and enhance the chances of defeating the ruling APC.

To advance this proposal, Lukman announced an opposition summit scheduled for August 18 in Abuja. Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku, indicated that Atiku is open to initiatives that strengthen the opposition but did not confirm his attendance at the summit, stating that it would depend on his schedule.

Shaibu emphasized the need for transparency and inclusivity in any coalition-building process.