G-100 opposition consensus plan faces hurdles as Atiku, Obi, Makinde insist on 2027 ambitions

Efforts by the G-100, a coalition of political groups and stakeholders seeking a united opposition front ahead of the 2027 presidential election, have run into fresh challenges as several opposition candidates remain committed to their individual presidential ambitions.

The presidential candidates of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar; Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi; and Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM), Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, have all maintained their positions in the presidential race.

However, a member of the G-100, Ambassador Umanu Elijah, expressed confidence that the ongoing consultations would produce a consensus candidate by September 30.

The G-100 recently convened representatives of opposition parties and political stakeholders at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for a summit aimed at exploring areas of cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The initiative is part of broader efforts to build a common opposition platform capable of challenging the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and President Bola Tinubu at the polls.

Speaking to The PUNCH, Elijah said the G-100 was working towards selecting a consensus presidential candidate from among the opposition parties.

He acknowledged that the process was gradual and that no candidate had yet been adopted, but said discussions were continuing behind the scenes.

“We have not adopted a single candidate yet, but that is the goal,” Elijah said.

He cited a recent meeting between Obi and Makinde as part of the consultations being encouraged by the group.

“Meetings are going on behind the scenes, and I am sure that before the end of this month, we would have settled on a consensus candidate that we will ask other candidates and parties to support,” he added.

However, the camps of the leading candidates have continued to project their principals as contenders for the 2027 presidency.

A media aide to Atiku, Paul Ibe, declined to comment on the development.

An ally of the former Vice-President, however, said Atiku remained open to discussions but would contest the 2027 election.

The source argued that the opposition coalition had already produced the ADC as a platform for the 2027 contest, following consultations among political stakeholders from across the country.

“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar is going to contest the 2027 election,” the source said, adding that supporters of other opposition parties who believe he has the capacity to defeat the APC would eventually rally behind him.

The APM also maintained that Makinde remained firmly in the presidential race.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, said Makinde was contesting to win the election and had not stepped down for any candidate.

According to Yusuf, while discussions among opposition stakeholders were ongoing, there was still a possibility that Makinde could emerge as the consensus candidate.

“For now, all I can tell you is that His Excellency, the Oyo State Governor and candidate of our party, is in the contest to win. He has not stepped down for anybody,” he said.

The NDC, on its part, said it remained open to discussions on a possible consensus candidate while maintaining that Obi remained one of the strongest contenders.

The party’s National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, said political cooperation among opposition parties did not mean that the NDC lacked the capacity to win the election independently.

“NDC is ready to participate in discussions about a single candidate for the opposition parties,” Director said.

He added that the party believed Obi had a strong chance of emerging as the preferred consensus candidate if an agreement was eventually reached.

Meanwhile, some opposition parties have rejected the idea of surrendering their presidential tickets altogether.

The African Action Congress presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, said he did not support the idea of producing a single opposition candidate without first establishing a shared ideology, programme and commitment to fundamental reforms.

Sowore argued that simply bringing opposition politicians together to defeat the APC would not necessarily address Nigeria’s underlying problems.

“The real question is: united around what?” he asked.

He said the AAC was seeking fundamental reforms, including economic justice, decent wages, quality education, universal healthcare, reliable electricity, affordable housing, improved security and accountable governance.

Sowore also rejected the possibility of stepping down merely because other opposition politicians agreed on a consensus candidate, describing such an arrangement as potentially elitist.

Similarly, the Democratic Leadership Alliance (DLA) said it would not support a single-candidate arrangement.

The party’s presidential campaign spokesperson, Tosin Odeyemi, said its candidate would not step down for another aspirant.

The Young Progressives Party presidential candidate, Peter Agada, however, indicated that he could consider a consensus arrangement if it was anchored on a clear ideology and development framework.

Agada said such an agreement would need to empower the grassroots and strengthen the country’s economy.

The Action Democratic Party National Chairman, Yabbagi Sani, also 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 added that the party would instead welcome presidential candidates who were willing to step down and support its own flag bearer.

With several opposition parties insisting on retaining their candidates while the G-100 continues its consultations, the push for a single opposition presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 election remains uncertain.

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