Atiku, Obi and Makinde resist pressure to step aside ahead of 2027 election

Nigeria's opposition is struggling to turn its call for unity into a single presidential ticket for the 2027 election. Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde continue to project themselves as viable candidates rather than stepping aside for one another.

Their positions have created fresh hurdles for the G-100, a coalition of political groups and stakeholders seeking a common opposition candidate. Ambassador Umanu Elijah, a member of the coalition, said consultations were continuing and expressed confidence that the group would reach an agreement by Sept. 30.

The G-100 recently brought representatives of six opposition parties and their presidential candidates together at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja. The summit focused on possible cooperation ahead of the general elections and formed part of a wider effort to build a political force capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress and President Bola Tinubu.

Elijah said the coalition had not yet adopted a candidate, but that selecting one remained its goal. He described the process as gradual and said meetings were taking place behind the scenes. He cited a recent meeting between Obi and Makinde as an example of the discussions the G-100 is trying to encourage.

The effort faces resistance beyond the three leading contenders. The African Action Congress, DLA, Allied Peoples’ Movement and Action Democratic Party, among others, have rejected suggestions that their candidates should withdraw for another aspirant. With parties insisting on retaining their own nominees, the prospect of a broad opposition consensus remains uncertain.

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We had our first summit recently in Abuja with the opposition political parties and their presidential candidates. It is important to note that this is a gradual process. We have not adopted a single candidate yet, but that is the goal.