Nigeria’s opposition parties have begun fresh moves to build a united front against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu ahead of the 2027 presidential election, with a proposal for a single four-year transition government emerging as a major part of the discussions.
According to Vanguard Newspapers, leaders of six opposition political parties converged in Abuja under the G-100 platform to develop a framework for cooperation and explore ways of avoiding the division of votes that weakened opposition chances in the 2023 presidential election.
The proposed arrangement, described as a Government of National Competence, would be built around competence, integrity, national inclusion and representation of participating political parties. The proposal also includes a binding commitment to a single four-year transition term.
The meeting was attended by representatives of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, Allied Peoples Movement, APM, Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, Peoples Redemption Party, PRP, Social Democratic Party, SDP, and a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
Although prominent figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were absent, the summit attracted several presidential and vice-presidential candidates, including SDP presidential candidate Prince Adewole Adebayo and former Cross River State Governor Donald Duke.
Donald Duke declared his readiness to put aside his presidential ambition if the opposition parties eventually agree on a candidate capable of leading a united coalition into the 2027 election.
According to Vanguard Newspapers, the G-100 proposed the establishment of three major committees to coordinate the coalition process, covering political leadership, publicity and communication, as well as legal matters.
Five working groups are also expected to prepare key documents on democratic renewal, a single-term transition charter, national reforms, opposition unity and a roadmap towards selecting a common presidential candidate.
At the end of the deliberations, the six parties adopted a joint communiqué committing themselves to structured negotiations and further consultations ahead of the 2027 general election.
Meanwhile, Atiku Abubakar’s camp dismissed claims that the former vice president boycotted the Abuja summit, saying his absence was unavoidable and did not affect his commitment to efforts aimed at building a united opposition.
His aide, Phrank Shaibu, said Atiku remains supportive of the G-100 initiative and is committed to the emergence of a credible and united opposition capable of challenging the ruling APC in 2027.