NDC Backs Opposition Coalition Drive Ahead Of 2027

The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has joined major opposition parties in backing fresh efforts to build a stronger political coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party’s National Chairman, Senator Moses Cleopas, led its delegation to an opposition summit held on Monday at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja.

The meeting, convened by the G-100 with the support of the Minority Caucus of the House of Representatives, brought together representatives of the NDC, African Democratic Congress (ADC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Action Peoples Movement (APM) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP).

Discussions at the summit centred on how opposition parties could overcome their differences, deepen cooperation and develop a common political strategy capable of challenging the ruling party at the next general election.

A key proposal was the development of a framework for selecting a common opposition presidential candidate, with participants seeking to conclude work on the arrangement within four weeks.

The summit also considered the establishment of standing committees and working groups to drive the coalition process, draw up a transition programme and coordinate further consultations among participating parties.

For the NDC, its involvement represents an indication of the party’s readiness to participate in wider discussions on opposition collaboration and the search for a credible political alternative ahead of 2027.

The organisers, however, stressed that the gathering was not intended to dissolve or merge the participating political parties.

They also clarified that no presidential candidate was asked to step down as part of the process, suggesting that the current discussions are focused on developing a workable framework for cooperation before decisions are taken on a common candidate.

The Abuja meeting comes as opposition parties intensify consultations over how to mount a stronger challenge to the ruling party in 2027.

The participating parties are expected to continue discussions on the structure, leadership and operational framework of any proposed coalition, as well as the process for arriving at a common presidential candidate.

The summit is therefore expected to serve as part of a wider opposition engagement aimed at determining whether the various parties can put aside individual interests and build a coordinated platform for the 2027 contest.