BY AHMED AKANBI
Nigeria’s opposition parties have begun a formal push to produce one presidential candidate for the 2027 general elections, as they opened a new front demanding the US government to disclose President Bola Tinubu’s records.
The decisions were reached at the first summit of opposition parties held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja.
Participants resolved to commence a structured negotiation process to build a common political platform ahead of 2027.
To drive the process, the coalition will constitute five working groups with each party is to nominate one representative.
The groups have four weeks to produce key documents, including a specific ‘Roadmap to a common presidential candidate.’
The move could reshape 2027 calculations if the parties overcome the divisions and competing ambitions that have historically fragmented the opposition.
The summit also took a swipe at the President, demanding the lawful disclosure of US government records concerning him.
In a document signed on behalf of participating parties, the coalition called on the US Government, through appropriate authorities and in line with law and judicial processes, to ensure the timely processing and disclosure of all non-exempt official records concerning President Tinubu that have legitimate public interest value.
The opposition said the demand was linked to questions around the “integrity and credibility of the Presidency.”
It, however, clarified that the request does not presume the contents of any undisclosed records or amount to a finding of wrongdoing.
The coalition referenced ongoing Freedom of Information Act proceedings before the United States District Court for the District of Columbia, arguing that Nigerians are entitled to the fullest clarity permitted by law.
The parties further resolved to formally communicate the matter to the Economic Community of West Africa States (ECOWAS) Commission and other community institutions, seeking diplomatic engagement in support of “transparency, lawful disclosure and the democratic right of citizens to informed public accountability.”
The demand adds an international dimension to what has been a largely domestic debate over the President’s credibility, and could become a major campaign issue ahead of 2027.