Single opposition candidate: Galadima, ADC differ, APGA backs Tinubu

Leading opposition figure Buba Galadima, alongside the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), have expressed divergent opinions regarding the proposal for the opposition to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election. The call for a unified front comes from a group of 100 Nigerians, the G-100, who believe a fragmented opposition will pave the way for President Bola Tinubu's re-election.

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If a single candidate will emerge out of the feelings of Nigerians, why not? But it should not be about partisan or selfish people. There are a lot of things to be considered in choosing a single candidate.

The G-100, spearheaded by former All Progressives Congress chieftain Salisu Lukman, specifically urged presidential hopefuls like Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress, along with their running mates, to forge a common front. The group contends that no single opposition party currently possesses the strength to unseat the incumbent president, making a consolidated effort essential.

Buba Galadima, in an interview, welcomed the G-100's proposal, stating that if it garners majority support, it should proceed. However, he cautioned against partisan or selfish motivations, emphasizing that the selection of a single candidate must consider crucial factors such as electability and the candidate's capacity to govern effectively. "Nigeria has gone into a situation where we need somebody who can spend 16 hours out of 24 hands-on on the job," Galadima remarked, suggesting a high bar for potential candidates.

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Nigeria has gone into a situation where we need somebody who can spend 16 hours out of 24 hands-on on the job. Anybody who cannot do that is out of the question.

Galadima also questioned the sincerity of the G-100, expressing hope that their initiative is driven by genuine patriotism rather than personal ambition. Beyond the selection of a strong candidate, he urged Nigerians to prioritize the fight for credible and transparent elections, asserting that without such guarantees, votes would be rendered meaningless. He noted that while individual opposition candidates have deficiencies, there is likely one among them who is comparatively better suited to challenge the incumbent.

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There is something which we need to fight for more than the issue of a single opposition candidate. All of us must come together to force this government to conduct a free, fair and transparent election. That is the foremost thing.