2027: Atiku, Obi, Duke’s alliance, exercise in futility — Tinubu’s men

The SGF cited the local government autonomy and digital reforms as examples of measures that could strengthen governance and improve service delivery.

He said the administration had given Nigerians renewed hope, adding that meaningful national development often required difficult decisions and sacrifices, even as he pointed to the growing interest of foreign investors in Nigeria as evidence that the country was gradually becoming more attractive for foreign direct investment.

Chairman, Board of Trustees of the group, Maj. Gen. Abdulmalik Jibril (retd) said the proposed opposition coalition would amount to an “exercise in futility,” insisting that the performance of the Tinubu administration, rather than political calculations, would determine the outcome of the 2027 presidential election.

Reacting to moves by opposition leaders to forge a common front against the APC, Jibril said the combination of opposition politicians would not unsettle Tinubu’s re-election prospects.

“All put together is an exercise in futility. We have seen them before; they have done nothing and they are not going to do anything again. So, we are not perturbed at all. We don’t care about what they do,” he said.

Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Makinde meet Aug. 18, seek to unite against Tinubu

However, the G100, a coalition of concerned Nigerians, said the consultations with leaders of six opposition political parties, followed its open letter to opposition leaders, Leaders of Thought, Civil Society, and Nigerians of Good Conscience, on August 2, 2026, which articulated what the group called the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition.

“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. We believe that, at this stage, protecting the integrity of the process is more important than publicising every meeting,” the statement read.

Building on this, the G100 announced that preparations were underway for a Summit of Opposition Parties, scheduled for Tuesday, August 18, 2026, in Abuja, which it said would provide a structured platform for the parties to begin discussions on the modalities for achieving greater opposition unity.

“The G100 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,” the statement said.

We’re not opposed to opposition coming together – NDC

Reacting to the move of the G100, the NDC said that it was not in any way opposed to opposition political parties coming together to defeat the ruling APC.

The NDC National Publicity Secretary, Osa Director, told Vanguard: “Undoubtedly, the opposition parties will be stronger if they coalesce into one party. Therefore, the NDC is not opposed to the possibility of the opposition coming together. However, any such proposition must take into consideration the strongest and most popular of the presidential candidates to lead it. There is no gainsaying the fact that the NDC and its flag bearer is the most visible option for the opposition parties.

“But let also be mindful of the fact that we should not assume by the G100 call to mean that only a two party system can salvage Nigeria. With the plethora of opposition parties, the electorate knows who their preferred candidate is.”

I’m favourably disposed to Aug. 18 Summit – Atiku

In like manner, Atiku Abubakar said he is favourably disposed to any sincere engagement that advances opposition cooperation ahead of the 2027 polls.

Reacting through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, the ADC presidential candidate welcomed every genuine effort aimed at strengthening opposition unity and building a credible alternative for Nigerians.

“Atiku Abubakar has consistently maintained that the challenge before the opposition is bigger than any individual or political party. At a time when Nigerians are grappling with unprecedented economic hardship, insecurity and declining living standards, opposition leaders have a responsibility to put the national interest above personal ambitions,” Shaibu told Vanguard.

He said the objectives outlined by the G100 were broadly consistent with Atiku’s longstanding advocacy for opposition cooperation and coalition-building.

“Regarding the August 18 summit, His Excellency is favourably disposed to any sincere engagement that advances opposition unity. His attendance will, however, depend on his schedule and the final arrangements communicated by the organisers,” he said, adding that what mattered most was that Atiku remained committed to working with other opposition leaders towards giving Nigerians a strong, united and credible alternative in 2027.

Nothing wrong with like-minded political leaders uniting – Makinde

Also, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, said Makinde was disposed to the summit.

He said: “Let me make it clear that there is nothing strange, unlawful or undemocratic about like-minded political leaders coming together to discuss the future of our country and the direction of our democracy.

“If political leaders and stakeholders are meeting to explore the possibility of forming a united political front ahead of 2027, such an initiative should be welcomed as a legitimate exercise in democratic consultation. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and nobody should suggest that political actors must remain permanently divided simply because they have different views about the direction the country should take.

Governor Seyi Makinde is a statesman who understands the importance of dialogue, consultation and building bridges across political divides. He has consistently demonstrated that politics should ultimately be about the welfare of the people and the future of the nation.

Therefore, if discussions are taking place among political leaders to build a broader coalition or united front around a shared vision for Nigeria, I see nothing wrong with that. Democracy thrives on dialogue, negotiations, alliances and the freedom of citizens and political leaders to organise around issues and principles they believe in.

We should not be afraid of political realignment. Indeed, at a time when Nigerians are asking serious questions about the direction of the country, it is only natural for responsible political leaders to consult, exchange ideas and consider alternatives.

What is important is that any such political engagement must be driven by the national interest, democratic principles and the desire to provide Nigerians with credible leadership. It should not be reduced to personal ambition or sectional interest.”

Vanguard