Chidinma Iroegbu
Opposition parties have begun moves to establish a common platform ahead of the 2027 general elections, with leaders insisting that a credible alternative government requires stronger coordination and unity.
The initiative, unveiled at an opposition summit organised by G100 and the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives in Abuja, proposes a single presidential candidate and a four-year national reset programme.
G100 leader, Salihu Mohammed Lukman, said the parties must first agree on the rules for cooperation before deciding candidates and positions, stressing, “Rules before outcomes. Table before seats.”
Five working groups are expected to produce proposals within four weeks covering a national renewal covenant, transition charter, reform programme, opposition unity framework and roadmap to a common presidential candidate.
The proposed transition plan would establish a four-year government with defined powers, safeguards and a Government of National Competence based on competence, integrity, inclusion and fair representation.
However, the unity move suffered a setback as the Nafiu Bala Gombe-led faction of the African Democratic Congress disowned Atiku Abubakar and declared that the party would not join any alliance, merger or coalition ahead of 2027.
The faction said the ADC would contest the election independently, warning against the unauthorised use of its name, logo and symbols, while urging grievances against President Bola Tinubu to be pursued through Nigerian institutions.
Former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, meanwhile, said the opposition had sufficient votes to defeat the All Progressives Congress if it united, but warned that electoral numbers alone would not guarantee victory without structures to protect votes.
Duke said the opposition must prepare for election-day challenges rather than complain afterwards, stressing, “We’ve got to ensure that votes are protected.”
The summit, attended by representatives of the ADC, PDP, PRP, SDP, APM, NDC and DLA, ended with calls for political sacrifice and a workable coalition, as Lukman urged the parties to use the proposed framework to build a credible alternative before 2027.