A public affairs analyst and opposition party chieftain, Salihu Lukman, has called on Nigeria’s opposition parties to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Lukman argued that opposition parties could struggle to defeat incumbent President Bola Ahmed Tinubu if they enter the election divided.
In a statement issued at the weekend, he described division among opposition leaders as a major threat to their chances of taking power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to him, opposition parties need to put aside their differences and work together if they hope to mobilise enough votes to challenge Tinubu’s re-election bid.
Lukman said the history of elections in Nigeria and other countries had shown that a fragmented opposition often gives an advantage to an incumbent government.
“The experience of elections in Nigeria and elsewhere has repeatedly demonstrated that a divided opposition often strengthens the incumbent.
“When parties competing for the same broad constituency fragment their energies, resources and votes, they risk turning their differences into an unintended advantage for those they seek to replace.
“Division is a choice. Cooperation must now become a strategy,” he stated.
The opposition chieftain’s comments come as several opposition parties continue discussions over the possibility of forming a broader alliance ahead of the 2027 presidential election.
Among the parties involved are the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP).
The opposition parties are expected to meet on Monday, August 31, as part of efforts to strengthen their cooperation and develop a strategy for the 2027 election.
The proposed meeting is expected to focus on how the opposition can work together and potentially settle on a common presidential candidate capable of mounting a strong challenge against Tinubu.
Lukman maintained that cooperation would be essential if the opposition parties wanted to avoid splitting votes among multiple candidates.
He argued that opposition leaders must prioritise their collective objective over individual political ambitions, stressing that their ability to work together could determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential contest.
The 2027 election is expected to be closely watched as political parties and potential candidates begin positioning themselves for what could become a major contest for Nigeria’s presidency.
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