In a move that could reshape Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections, a newly formed coalition of opposition leaders says it is on the verge of finalizing its structure and modus operandi. The coalition, representing a wide spectrum of political figures, acknowledged that its primary challenge remains finding a viable alternative political party as a platform for contesting the elections.
In a statement issued Monday in Abuja and signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman—a former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)—the coalition stressed that its focus is on uniting leaders who must set aside personal ambitions for the sake of national progress. “At this stage of negotiations, the main focus is around getting leaders to agree to work together, and substantially, there is strong recognition that prospective members should set aside personal ambitions to contest the 2027 elections,” Lukman stated.
While some media reports have raised questions about disagreements, particularly around issues of zoning, coalition members clarified that such matters have not been formally discussed. “The speculation… about disagreements stalemating the coalition negotiation is not true,” the statement added, noting that detailed discussions on candidate selection processes will only be held once the coalition finalizes its choice of political party.
A key sticking point in the negotiations is the identity of the alternative political party that will serve as the coalition’s platform. Lukman explained that several members have attempted to register new political parties, but applications are being frustrated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). Compounding the issue, many existing registered parties—aside from the ruling APC—are facing deregistration threats after failing to meet electoral thresholds in previous contests. “The only conclusion that can be reached… is that INEC has decided that it will not register new parties,” he said.
The coalition, which includes heavyweight figures such as former PDP presidential candidate Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el-Rufai, and former SGF Babachir Lawal, is also bolstered by prominent dissenters from the APC like Senator Abdullahi Adamu, former Rivers State Governor Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, and ex-Ekiti State Governor Dr John Kayode Fayemi.
Lukman warned that the current state of Nigeria’s democratic space, which he described as “rapidly shrunken,” is a dangerous precedent reminiscent of military rule. “Rescuing Nigerian democracy is fundamentally about producing a political party that can guarantee and facilitate competitive political contests in the country,” he asserted. The coalition’s leaders are committed to producing accountable, democratic leaders at all levels and closing the chapter on what they view as decades of democratic frustrations.
Despite the hurdles, the coalition remains optimistic that negotiations will soon conclude. “Difficult as the situation would appear, the negotiation about the political party that will be the platform for the 2027 electoral contest is about to be concluded. All attempts to push Nigeria into a one-party state will be defeated,” the statement concluded.
As Nigeria gears up for the next general election, political analysts say the outcome of these negotiations could be pivotal, potentially offering a unified opposition capable of mounting a formidable challenge to the current government. Further details on the coalition’s final structure, candidate selection procedures, and the chosen political platform are expected to be announced once talks are wrapped up.
