Opposition Giants Unite: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Makinde Plot Aug. 18 Alliance

A coalition of concerned Nigerians, known as G100, has successfully concluded the initial phase of its efforts to forge a united front among opposition parties in preparation for the 2027 general election. In a statement released yesterday by Salihu Moh. Lukman, the G100 announced that it engaged with leaders from six prominent opposition parties, describing these consultations as “frank, constructive and encouraging”.

Among the key figures and parties consulted were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso representing the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM). Additionally, the coalition engaged with the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and the Social Democratic Party (SDP). Discussions involved national chairmen, presidential candidates, and their running mates.

These engagements followed the G100’s “Open Letter to the Leaders of the Opposition, Leaders of Thought, Civil Society, and Nigerians of Good Conscience,” which was published on August 2, 2026. This letter introduced what the coalition termed the “Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition.” The G100 deliberately conducted these consultations away from public scrutiny, acknowledging the sensitive nature of the discussions and aiming to enable party leaders to engage candidly without the pressure of premature public commentary. The coalition emphasized that protecting the integrity of this process was paramount at this stage.

The talks revealed a significant shared understanding among the participating parties regarding the urgent need for enhanced collaboration ahead of the 2027 elections. The leaders reportedly recognized that establishing a credible opposition would necessitate “sacrifice, compromise and a willingness to place the country’s interests above narrow partisan or individual considerations.”

To build upon these foundational discussions, the G100 has announced an upcoming Summit of Opposition Parties, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Abuja. This summit aims to provide a structured environment for discussing the practical modalities required to achieve greater unity among the opposition parties. The G100 clarified its role as a facilitator, stating that it does not presume to dictate outcomes but rather seeks 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.” Any framework developed from this process, the group stressed, must respect the legitimate interests of all involved parties while ensuring that “the interests of the Nigerian people” remain the highest priority.

The central tenet of the “Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition” was reiterated: “Nigeria’s democracy is strengthened when citizens are presented with a credible alternative capable of competing effectively for their mandate.” The G100 cautioned against fragmentation, asserting that disunity among those striving to offer this alternative benefits neither the opposition nor the Nigerian populace.

The coalition affirmed that the consultations of the past week are merely the beginning of a challenging journey that will demand patience, courage, and above all, sacrifice. The G100 reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to facilitating the unity of Nigeria’s main opposition parties and leaders in good faith, always prioritizing the overriding interest of Nigeria and its democracy.