A coalition of opposition political parties and stakeholders under the G-100 platform will convene a summit in Abuja on 18 August 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation among opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 general elections.
The planned summit follows consultations between representatives of the G-100 and leaders of six opposition parties: the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), National Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) and Social Democratic Party (SDP).
In a statement issued on Monday by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the G-100, the group said the consultations had laid the groundwork for broader discussions on how opposition parties could work together to offer Nigerians a credible alternative in 2027.
The statement, titled “G100: Consultations with opposition leaders set stage for unity summit”, said representatives of the coalition had held discussions with national chairmen, presidential candidates and running mates of the parties involved.
According to the group, the meetings were deliberately kept away from the media to allow the political leaders to address sensitive issues openly without the pressure of public scrutiny.
“We have deliberately kept these consultations away from the glare of the media, in recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary,” the statement said.
The G-100 said the consultations revealed broad agreement on the need for opposition parties to overcome their differences and establish a more coordinated political front ahead of the 2027 elections.
“Across these conversations, there has been a clear recognition of the need for Nigeria’s opposition parties to work more closely together ahead of the 2027 general elections,” it said.
However, the group acknowledged that achieving meaningful unity would require political parties and their leaders to make significant concessions.
It said those consulted recognised that an effective opposition could only emerge through “sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place the larger interests of the country above narrow partisan or individual considerations”.
The 18 August summit is expected to provide an opportunity for the parties to begin detailed discussions on possible mechanisms for political cooperation.
The G-100 said it would not seek to impose a particular outcome on the parties, but would facilitate dialogue and help build trust among the different political interests.
“The G-100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations. Our role is to facilitate dialogue, build confidence and help create the conditions in which the participating political parties can openly consider the difficult questions of cooperation, sacrifice, accommodation and collective action,” it said.
The group added that any eventual agreement should accommodate the legitimate interests of the participating parties while placing the broader interests of Nigerians above individual or partisan ambitions.
The discussions are also expected to draw on the principles contained in the Ibadan Declaration, particularly its call for opposition parties to explore a credible pathway towards presenting a single candidate in the 2027 elections.
The G-100 said it was encouraged by what it described as areas of convergence among the party leaders consulted, but stressed that political goodwill would need to be translated into a practical framework for cooperation.
Preparations for the summit are already under way in consultation with representatives of the participating parties, according to the group.
It said the process would be “deliberate, inclusive and anchored on mutual respect”, noting that sustainable political cooperation could not be imposed on political parties.
The initiative comes amid growing efforts by opposition parties and political figures to develop a broader alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Possible alliances, common candidates, power-sharing arrangements and the structure of any coalition have increasingly become key issues in opposition politics as parties position themselves for the next general elections.
The G-100 said its initiative was founded on the belief that a fragmented opposition could struggle to mount an effective electoral challenge, regardless of the strength of individual parties or candidates.
“The central argument of the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition remains unchanged: Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when citizens are presented with a credible alternative capable of competing effectively for their mandate,” the group said.
It warned that continued fragmentation among opposition parties could undermine efforts to provide such an alternative.
“At this critical moment in our national journey, fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alternative serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people,” it added.
The group said the consultations held over the past week represented only the beginning of what could be a longer process of negotiations among opposition parties.
It called on political leaders to demonstrate patience, courage and a willingness to make sacrifices, while pledging to continue facilitating the discussions in good faith and in the broader interest of Nigeria’s democracy.
“The task ahead will require patience, courage and, above all, sacrifice,” the G-100 said.
The 18 August summit could provide an early test of the willingness of opposition parties to move beyond individual political ambitions and explore a common strategy ahead of the 2027 elections.
The development comes as political parties continue to upload details of their presidential candidates and running mates on the Independent National Electoral Commission portal.
