Opposition Alliance: Atiku Camp Reveals What It Wants Before Backing Single Candidate

Uncertainty continues to surround the proposal for a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, as political parties and their leading figures appear divided over how the arrangement should be achieved.

The debate followed a call by the Group of 100 Nigerians (G100), led by former All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Salisu Lukman, for opposition presidential candidates and political leaders to unite behind a single candidate capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu in 2027.

The group warned that a fragmented opposition could find it difficult to defeat the incumbent administration.

Lukman called on former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), their respective running mates, Rotimi Amaechi and Rabiu Kwankwaso, as well as other opposition figures, to put personal ambitions aside and focus on the broader national interest.

Earlier in the week, Lukman announced plans for an opposition summit in Abuja on August 18, signalling the G100’s intention to bring the various opposition groups together for discussions on a possible alliance.

However, indications have emerged that the proposal could face significant challenges, with some of the political parties and movements expected to participate yet to fully commit to the process.

Atiku’s Camp Speaks on Summit

Speaking to Punch, Atiku’s Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, declined to confirm whether the former vice president would attend the proposed summit.

He said Atiku’s position on the matter would be communicated publicly once a decision had been reached.

“His Excellency Atiku Abubakar welcomes every genuine initiative aimed at strengthening democratic opposition and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration.

“His attendance at the August 18 summit will, however, be communicated once his schedule and participation are finalised.”

Shaibu also welcomed the G100 initiative, stressing that Atiku had consistently advocated for opposition parties, political leaders and patriotic Nigerians to place national interests above personal or partisan considerations.

“His Excellency has consistently maintained that the challenges confronting Nigeria require opposition parties, leaders and citizens of goodwill to put the national interest above individual or partisan considerations. There is considerable merit in building the broadest possible democratic coalition ahead of 2027.”

He, however, stressed that any attempt to form a broad opposition coalition must be based on transparency, inclusiveness and democratic principles.

“What is most important is that any process towards achieving that objective must be transparent, inclusive and democratic, and ultimately produce a candidate capable of earning the confidence of Nigerians.”

Atiku Holds Consultations

On the proposal to field a single opposition candidate against President Tinubu, Atiku’s camp did not commit to a specific arrangement.

Shaibu disclosed that the former vice president was currently consulting with political leaders and stakeholders across the opposition.

According to him, such consultations were necessary as discussions around the 2027 political landscape continue.

“At the appropriate time, the outcome of these consultations will be made public,” he said.

He added that the broader objective of the discussions was not centred on any individual politician but on strengthening the opposition, protecting democratic institutions and offering Nigerians a credible alternative to the Tinubu administration.