Efforts by opposition political groups to produce a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections have hit fresh hurdles, as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde remain in the presidential race.
The three opposition figures, who are respectively associated with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), have continued to project their presidential ambitions, with none indicating readiness to withdraw in favour of another aspirant.
The development could complicate efforts by the G-100, a coalition of political groups and stakeholders seeking a united opposition front, to settle on a consensus candidate.
A member of the G-100, Ambassador Umanu Elijah, however, expressed optimism that the group would conclude its consultations and agree on a candidate by September 30.
Elijah said the coalition was not ruling out any of the opposition presidential aspirants, stressing that discussions were ongoing behind the scenes.
“We have not adopted a single candidate yet, but that is the goal,” he said.
According to him, the recent summit of opposition parties and presidential candidates in Abuja was part of the process of building a common platform ahead of the 2027 election.
He said the group would eventually present its preferred candidate to other opposition parties and aspirants for consideration.
However, Atiku’s camp maintained that the former Vice-President would contest the 2027 presidential election, although he remained open to dialogue with other political leaders.
An ally of Atiku said the former Vice-President had been at the forefront of efforts to build an opposition coalition, which eventually led to the adoption of the ADC as a platform for the coalition.
“Atiku Abubakar is now the candidate, while others are still talking about coalition, alliance and the G-100,” the source said.
The ally added that Atiku remained open to discussions but would not withdraw from the presidential race.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is going to contest the 2027 election,” the source said.
Similarly, the APM National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said Makinde remained the party’s presidential candidate and was in the race to win.
Yusuf acknowledged that discussions were ongoing within the G-100 but said Makinde had not stepped down for any aspirant.
“The Governor of Oyo State, who is the flag bearer of our party, is not in the race to take Nigerians for a ride, or for a joke, comedy or fun. He is in the race to win,” he said.
He added that Makinde could still emerge as the consensus candidate if the opposition coalition eventually settled on him.
The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, also said the party was open to discussions on a consensus candidate but maintained that Obi remained a strong contender.
Director said the party believed Obi had the credibility and popularity to emerge as the preferred opposition candidate.
“NDC is ready to participate in discussions about a single candidate for the opposition,” he said.
However, the African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, rejected the idea of stepping down for a consensus candidate.
Sowore argued that merely producing a single opposition candidate without a shared ideology and clear development agenda would amount to another elite political arrangement.
“I do not subscribe to the idea that Nigeria’s problem can be solved simply by gathering opposition politicians together and producing a so-called ‘single candidate,’” he said.
He said his party was seeking fundamental changes in areas including economic justice, education, healthcare, electricity, housing, security and accountable governance.
The presidential campaign spokesperson for the Democratic Leadership Alliance, Tosin Odeyemi, also rejected the single-candidate proposal, saying the party’s candidate would not step down.
The Young Progressives Party presidential candidate, Peter Agada, however, said he could consider a consensus arrangement if it was anchored on a clear ideology and development framework capable of transferring political power to the grassroots.
Meanwhile, the Action Democratic Party National Chairman, Yabbagi Sani, said his party would not withdraw its presidential candidate for another contender.
Sani argued that reconciling the interests, policies and programmes of several opposition parties within a short period would be difficult.
“The ADP has its own presidential candidate. Elections are about interests, so how do you align the interests of multiple individuals and political parties within the shortest possible time?” he asked.
He said the party would instead welcome other candidates who were willing to withdraw and support its flag bearer.
The latest positions from the opposition parties have further raised questions over the possibility of a single opposition ticket ahead of the 2027 presidential election, despite the G-100’s ongoing consultations.
