Nigeria opposition urged to field single candidate for 2027 polls

Nigeria's House of Representatives Minority Caucus has called on opposition political parties to unite and present a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections. The caucus argues that a unified opposition front is essential to effectively challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and end its prolonged hold on power.

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We have also used this opportunity to decide that we call on all members of opposition, no matter the party you belong, no matter your ambition, that there is strength in unity and that the opposition should unite to ensure that we wrestle power from the APC in 2027.

Frederick Agbedi, the Minority Leader of the House, made this appeal following a meeting with members of the G100 opposition coalition. The G100, led by Salihu Lukman, aims to consolidate opposition politicians and parties under a common platform to nominate a consensus presidential candidate capable of competing against President Bola Tinubu and the APC.

Agbedi emphasized that this collaboration marks the beginning of efforts to mobilize opposition forces. He stated, "We have also used this opportunity to decide that we call on all members of opposition, no matter the party you belong, no matter your ambition, that there is strength in unity and that the opposition should unite to ensure that we wrestle power from the APC in 2027."

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Nigerians are seriously in pain, Nigerians are wailing, Nigerians are so frustrated, and there is no reason why, as opposition voices, we should not stand up for Nigerians and bring support to them.

The lawmaker highlighted the current economic hardship in Nigeria as a motivating factor for opposition politicians to set aside personal ambitions. He urged them to collectively offer an alternative to the ruling party, stating, "Nigerians are seriously in pain, Nigerians are wailing, Nigerians are so frustrated, and there is no reason why, as opposition voices, we should not stand up for Nigerians and bring support to them."

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Our concern is simple. As opposition parties, we seem to be fragmented, and if we continue the way we are going, we are almost going to replay the 2023 scenario.

Agbedi warned that the continued fragmentation of the opposition could lead to a repeat of the 2023 election scenario, where divided votes among multiple candidates benefited the ruling party. The G100 has reportedly consulted with prominent figures from six opposition parties, receiving encouraging responses to the proposal for a united opposition. A national opposition summit, initially planned for Tuesday, has been postponed to August 31 to allow for further consultations.

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It’s almost like a case of handing over victory to the ruling party and then we go back to square one.