The opposition’s plan to unite behind a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election appears to be losing momentum, as major political parties and influential figures continue to take different positions on the proposal.
While the Tanimu Turaki-led faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) believes the idea remains possible, the Nyesom Wike-backed PDP faction has ruled out any alliance. The camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also insists that although opposition parties have already produced their presidential candidates, they remain open to political cooperation.
On the other hand, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) dismissed the opposition’s strategy, saying it poses no threat to President Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The idea of presenting a single opposition candidate first gained attention during an opposition summit held in Ibadan, Oyo State, on April 25, where political leaders agreed to work together and explore a united front against the APC in 2027.
The meeting brought together several opposition figures, including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Governor Seyi Makinde, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Aminu Tambuwal and other political stakeholders.
However, months later, many of those leaders have emerged as presidential or vice-presidential candidates on different political platforms after party primaries were concluded in line with INEC's timetable.
Atiku and Amaechi secured the presidential and vice-presidential tickets of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), while Makinde emerged as the presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso also secured the presidential and vice-presidential tickets of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC).
Speaking on the situation, PDP Interim National Working Committee spokesman, Ini Ememobong, said the idea of a single opposition candidate was still under consideration because defeating the ruling party remained the ultimate objective.
According to him, opposition parties recognise that no single party can unseat the APC alone, making continued dialogue and cooperation necessary.
In contrast, the Wike-backed PDP faction dismissed any suggestion of working with other political parties, insisting the party would contest the election with its own candidates at every level.
The faction's spokesman, Jungudo Mohammed, maintained that the PDP was focused on rebuilding and preparing for the elections independently.
Atiku’s spokesman, Phrank Shaibu, also played down expectations of a single candidate, noting that all opposition parties had already completed their primaries and nominated candidates in line with electoral laws.
He, however, stressed that opposition leaders would continue discussions aimed at strengthening cooperation to ensure the APC is defeated.
Meanwhile, other opposition parties also distanced themselves from the proposal.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Labour Party, Accord Party and a faction of the ADC all said no agreement had been reached on fielding one presidential candidate.
NDC National Leader, Seriake Dickson, said it was too early to discuss the issue following the party's emergence with the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket.
PRP National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, explained that while opposition parties were open to alliances, their immediate focus was removing the APC from power.
Similarly, Labour Party spokesman Ken Asogwa said the party was not part of the Ibadan arrangement, adding that any future coalition would be announced officially.
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Abia State Governor Alex Otti also stated that the Labour Party was not bound by resolutions reached at the Ibadan summit since it had already conducted its own national convention.
A faction of the ADC equally rejected the coalition proposal, insisting the party had existed long before the recent political realignments and would field its own candidates.
Reacting to the growing debate, APC Director of Publicity Bala Ibrahim dismissed the opposition’s strategy, saying even if all opposition parties united behind one candidate, they would still fail to defeat President Tinubu.
According to him, none of the opposition candidates possesses Tinubu’s leadership qualities, expressing confidence that the APC would retain power in 2027 regardless of any coalition.
He added that Nigerians were gradually beginning to appreciate the economic reforms introduced by the Tinubu administration, arguing that although the policies initially caused hardship, they were necessary for the country's long-term stability and were already beginning to produce results.
