ADC, APM, NDC, PDP, PRP and SDP leaders to explore stronger alliance, possible common platform ahead of presidential election

A coalition of opposition political parties and stakeholders under the G-100 platform is set to hold a major unity summit in Abuja on August 18, as efforts intensify to build a stronger opposition front ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.

The summit follows a series of behind-the-scenes consultations between G-100 representatives and leaders of six opposition parties — the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).

According to G-100, the consultations have opened the door for deeper discussions on how the opposition can work together and present Nigerians with a credible alternative at the polls.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by Salihu Lukman on behalf of G-100, the group said its representatives had engaged the national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the participating parties.

The discussions were deliberately kept away from the media, allowing the political leaders to address sensitive issues freely without the pressure that could come with premature public commentary.

“We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary,” the statement said.

Push for a united opposition

G-100 said a common position emerged from the consultations: opposition parties need to overcome their differences if they are to mount a serious challenge in 2027.

The group said the leaders acknowledged that building a credible opposition coalition would require sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to put the broader interests of Nigeria ahead of individual ambitions and partisan considerations.

The August 18 summit is expected to move the discussions from broad principles to practical questions surrounding cooperation and the possible structure of an opposition alliance.

However, G-100 said it would not impose any particular outcome on the participating parties.

“The G-100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations. Our role is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence and help create the conditions in which the participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action,” it said.

The group added that any eventual agreement must accommodate the legitimate interests of the individual parties while keeping the wider interests of Nigerians at the centre of the process.

Sole candidate remains on the table

The summit is also expected to draw from the principles contained in the Ibadan Declaration, which proposed a pathway towards producing a single opposition presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

G-100 said it was encouraged by what it described as a growing convergence of views among the leaders it had consulted.

However, the group acknowledged that political goodwill alone would not be enough, stressing the need to translate the emerging understanding into a practical and workable framework.

Preparations for the Abuja meeting are already underway in consultation with the participating parties.

G-100 pledged that the process would remain deliberate and inclusive, with mutual respect among the parties, arguing that sustainable political cooperation cannot be forced.

Opposition faces coalition test

The initiative comes amid growing efforts by opposition politicians to build a broad coalition capable of challenging the ruling establishment in 2027.

Issues surrounding possible alliances, the emergence of a common presidential candidate, power-sharing arrangements and the structure of any proposed coalition are expected to dominate discussions as the process gathers momentum.

G-100 maintained that a fragmented opposition could find it difficult to provide an effective challenge, even where individual parties or candidates have significant political strength.

“The central argument of the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition remains unchanged: Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when citizens are presented with a credible alternative capable of competing effectively for their mandate,” the statement said.

“At this critical moment in our national journey, fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alternative serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people.”

The group described the consultations so far as the beginning of what could be a lengthy negotiation process, urging political leaders to approach the discussions with patience, courage and a willingness to make compromises.

The August 18 summit could therefore become an important test of whether Nigeria's opposition parties are prepared to set aside individual ambitions and forge a common political strategy ahead of 2027.

The development comes as political parties continue to upload details of their presidential candidates and running mates on the portal of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), further raising the stakes around the search for possible opposition alliances before the election.