Uncertainty continues to surround the proposal for a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, with political parties and opposition figures expressing varying positions on the idea.
The development followed a call by the Group of 100 Nigerians, led by former All Progressives Congress chieftain Salisu Lukman, for opposition presidential candidates and political leaders to unite behind a common candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in 2027.
The group urged former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress, Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, their respective running mates, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as other opposition candidates, to put individual political ambitions aside in the interest of defeating the APC-led Federal Government.
The G-100 argued that a divided opposition, regardless of its numerical strength, could struggle to defeat the ruling party, making a single presidential candidacy necessary to consolidate opposition votes.
Lukman earlier announced that the group would convene an opposition summit in Abuja on August 18, signalling its intention to bring different opposition groups and political tendencies to the negotiating table.
However, indications that the proposal may encounter challenges have emerged from some of the political parties and movements expected to participate.
In an interview with The PUNCH, the Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Phrank Shaibu, stopped short of confirming whether his principal would attend the proposed summit.
Shaibu said Atiku welcomed genuine efforts aimed at strengthening the democratic opposition and providing Nigerians with an alternative to the Tinubu administration, but added that the former vice president’s attendance would depend on his schedule.
“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar welcomes every genuine initiative aimed at strengthening democratic opposition and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration,” Shaibu said.
He added that Atiku’s attendance at the August 18 summit would be communicated once his schedule and participation were finalised.
Shaibu also expressed support for the broader objective of building an opposition coalition, saying Atiku had consistently maintained that Nigeria’s challenges required opposition parties, political leaders and citizens to place national interest above individual or partisan considerations.
He, however, stressed that any effort to produce a common opposition candidate must be transparent, inclusive and democratic.
According to him, the ultimate goal should be to produce a candidate capable of earning the confidence of Nigerians.
The uncertainty over the proposed arrangement comes as opposition parties intensify preparations for the 2027 presidential election, with Atiku, Obi and other political figures already positioning themselves for the contest.