Ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general election, a recently established, diverse coalition of opposition leaders is nearing a final consensus on its structure and approach. The coalition’s primary challenge remains the selection of a political party that will represent its members. While some individuals have raised concerns about zoning, the coalition has not formally addressed this issue in its discussions.
The coalition’s main focus at this stage is ensuring that its leaders can collaborate effectively, with a strong understanding that personal ambitions must be set aside for the 2027 elections. This message was emphasized in a statement issued by Salihu Moh. Lukman, a former National Vice Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja on Monday.
Last Thursday, opposition leaders held a press conference in Abuja, where they condemned the presidential declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State. They also affirmed that their coalition aims to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 election. Key figures in this opposition bloc include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and Babachir Lawal, a former ally of Tinubu. The coalition also includes disillusioned members of the APC, such as former governors Abdullahi Adamu, Chibuike Amaechi, and John Fayemi.
Lukman clarified that negotiations are ongoing and that the formation of the coalition is still in progress. He emphasized that, despite media speculation, no final decisions have been made. Once concluded, formal announcements will detail the coalition’s membership, its strategies for the 2027 elections, and its platform.
One of the coalition’s most pressing concerns is determining the political party that will serve as its platform for the election. This issue has been under negotiation for over a year, with several members of the coalition exploring the registration of new political parties. However, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has hindered these efforts, leading the coalition to negotiate with existing parties that meet electoral thresholds. Unfortunately, some of these parties are facing crises that threaten their eligibility for the 2027 contest, leaving the coalition with limited options.
The coalition leaders expressed disappointment that these challenges arise under the leadership of a government that was originally seen as progressive. They pointed out that the ongoing political environment is reminiscent of a military regime, threatening the democratic progress Nigeria has made. They stressed the urgency of this situation and called on all patriotic Nigerians to recognize the importance of rescuing the country’s democracy.
The coalition’s leaders are committed to providing the leadership necessary to revitalize Nigeria’s democracy. They have called on the judiciary to uphold the rule of law and protect the sanctity of the Nigerian Constitution. The coalition believes that the formation of a competitive political party is essential for a healthy democracy and that this party must be accountable and democratic in its dealings with Nigerians.
Lukman concluded by stating that the coalition is determined to overcome the obstacles facing it, including the push towards a potential one-party system, and will continue working to bring about the political changes necessary to restore Nigeria’s democratic ideals. Once negotiations about the party are finalized, the coalition will make a public announcement and begin mobilizing for the 2027 elections.