Atiku, Obi send mixed signals ahead of single-candidate summit

Proposals for a single opposition presidential candidate against President Bola Tinubu in 2027 face growing uncertainty, with key political actors sending mixed signals ahead of an opposition summit convened for August 18 in Abuja by the Group of 100 Nigerians.

As reported by The PUNCH, the G-100 — led by former APC chieftain Salisu Lukman — has urged Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Kwankwaso and other opposition figures to subordinate personal ambitions to a unified anti-APC candidacy.

However, Atiku’s spokesman Phrank Shaibu stopped short of confirming his principal’s attendance, saying participation “will be communicated once his schedule and participation are finalised.” On the single-candidate question itself, Shaibu said consultations with “political leaders and stakeholders across the opposition” were ongoing, promising public disclosure “at the appropriate time.”

The G-100 argues a divided opposition cannot defeat the ruling party regardless of combined numerical strength.