Major opposition parties are reviving plans to form a coalition to challenge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2027 presidential election.

The initiative, championed by the G-100 led by former Director-General of the Progressive Governors’ Forum, Salihu Lukman, seeks to bring together the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Allied Peoples Movement (APM).

The group is pushing for a consensus presidential candidate, arguing that the opposition parties may not have enough strength individually to defeat the APC.

The NDC and PRP have confirmed receiving invitations to a coalition summit scheduled for August 18. The ADC also said it was open to collaboration with parties that share its vision.

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s media adviser, Paul Ibe, said Atiku remained committed to efforts aimed at uniting opposition parties.

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However, political analysts warned that personal ambitions among opposition leaders, limited time before the 2027 election and possible resistance from the ruling APC could frustrate the coalition.

Political science lecturers Prof. Abubakar Kari and Prof. Saleh Dauda said the emergence of presidential candidates had narrowed the window for a merger, with candidate substitution possibly being the remaining option.

Analysts nevertheless said a successful coalition could make the 2027 presidential election more competitive, although unity would not automatically guarantee victory over the APC.

Dr Kabiru Saidu Sufi of Kano State College of Arts, Science and Remedial Studies said the coalition reflected a recurring pattern in Nigeria’s political history, but its success would depend on the ability of its leaders to overcome personal ambitions and remain united.