Cracks have emerged within Nigeria’s opposition as political parties and coalition leaders remain divided over a proposal to present a single presidential candidate to challenge President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election.
While some opposition figures believe a consensus candidate offers the best chance of defeating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), others insist every political party should retain the right to nominate its own presidential candidate.
The disagreement follows the adoption of a communiqué at an opposition summit in Ibadan, where participants proposed that coalition partners should unite behind one presidential flag bearer for the 2027 election. However, the recommendation has failed to gain unanimous support.
Several parties involved in the coalition are reportedly reluctant to surrender their presidential ambitions, arguing that selecting a consensus candidate before party primaries could create fresh divisions and weaken the alliance.
Some stakeholders also warned that imposing a single candidate without broad consultations could alienate party members and reduce public confidence in the coalition’s efforts to unseat the APC.
Supporters of the proposal, however, maintain that a united opposition is essential to avoid splitting votes, arguing that presenting multiple presidential candidates would improve President Tinubu’s chances of securing another term.
