The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has dismissed concerns that the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and its presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from an opposition summit could derail efforts to build a united political front ahead of the 2027 elections.
Ladipo Johnson, an NDC chieftain and the party’s Lagos Central senatorial candidate, made the clarification while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State.
The comments followed the National Opposition Summit held in Abuja on Monday to discuss ways opposition parties could cooperate ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Parties Must Lead Negotiations
Johnson said the absence of Atiku and Obi should not be viewed as a rejection of the proposed opposition alliance.
According to him, political parties have a significant role to play at the initial stage of negotiations, particularly in establishing the framework and conditions for any eventual agreement.
He explained that presidential candidates would become more directly involved after the participating parties had reached a level of understanding on how the proposed arrangement would work.
Johnson maintained that opposition parties would have a stronger chance of offering Nigerians a credible alternative if they were able to put aside their differences and work together.
He said the proposed alliance should not be formed solely to defeat President Bola Tinubu or the All Progressives Congress (APC), but should focus on providing solutions to the country’s economic and security challenges.
Parties May Back One Candidate
Addressing speculation about whether Obi would have to withdraw his presidential ambition in favour of another opposition candidate, Johnson said cooperation would not necessarily require any party or candidate to abandon their platform.
He explained that opposition parties could retain their individual identities while agreeing to support a candidate chosen through negotiations.
According to him, discussions at the summit centred on the possibility of having a single presidential candidate backed by the participating parties, but no decision was taken on which political party would produce the candidate.
Johnson also said the emergence of the NDC and the reported Obi-Kwankwaso political arrangement did not prevent other opposition parties from joining the process.
Johnson Defends Obi and Kwankwaso
The NDC chieftain said the objective of the proposed alliance was to present Nigerians with a better governing alternative.
He described Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso’s decision to support Obi as an indication that the former Kano State governor was prepared to place broader national interests above personal ambition.
Johnson also rejected claims that Atiku necessarily has a larger grassroots following than Obi.
He argued that Atiku’s strong performance in the 2023 presidential election was partly influenced by the nationwide structure of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under which he contested.
He maintained that Obi and Kwankwaso had significant organic support among voters.
NDC Member to Respect Party Decision
Johnson said he would support whichever presidential candidate the NDC leadership eventually chooses to endorse through the ongoing negotiations.
He stressed that party members are expected to respect decisions reached by their leadership after consultations.
The NDC chieftain further expressed confidence that a high voter turnout in 2027 could benefit opposition parties, arguing that dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs could encourage more Nigerians to participate in the election.
The opposition parties are expected to continue discussions as they explore the possibility of presenting a common political alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.
