Atiku, Obi camps reject single opposition candidate

The political camps of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Anambra State Governor Peter Obi have dismissed a proposal for opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The push, spearheaded by the political pressure group G-100, aims to create a formidable front against President Bola Tinubu's All Progressives Congress (APC).

While both Abubakar and Obi recognize the strategic importance of opposition cooperation, neither appears ready to relinquish their presidential aspirations. This divergence could significantly hinder the G-100's objective of forging a united opposition coalition. The group, convened by Salihu Lukman, former Director-General of the Progressive Governors Forum, believes a single opposition candidate is the most viable path to defeating the incumbent APC.

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We have moved beyond this conversation. Atiku has brought to the table the policy alternatives, including what he would do with petroleum subsidy if elected. His policies are about the people and they are not hidden. Come January 2027, Nigerians will make their choice. This is where we are today.

Atiku Abubakar's camp, represented by Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication Phrank Shaibu, stated that discussions have moved beyond mere summits. Shaibu emphasized that Nigerians will ultimately choose based on policy alternatives, asserting that Abubakar remains the most prepared opposition figure. He urged voters to evaluate candidates on their proposals, particularly regarding issues like petroleum subsidy.

Similarly, Peter Obi's camp believes he possesses the necessary credentials and support to challenge President Tinubu. Obi, who ran on the Labour Party ticket in 2023, has reportedly joined the NDC as opposition realignments intensify. The NDC, while commending the G-100 initiative, argued that Nigeria's electoral history shows incumbents can be defeated without a complete merger of opposition parties behind one candidate. The party's National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, highlighted that a multi-party democracy allows for such scenarios.

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Under a multi-party democracy, the country’s electoral history demonstrated that an incumbent could be defeated without all opposition parties merging behind one presidential candidate.