Dr. Ope Banwo, founder of Naija Lives Matter (NLM), has urged opposition parties in Nigeria to unite under one political platform ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that a divided opposition could weaken the chances of mounting a competitive challenge against President Bola Tinubu.
Banwo made the call in a recent Facebook post, arguing that opposition parties must work together if they hope to present a formidable alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
He specifically urged prominent opposition figures, including Peter Obi and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to listen to calls for unity, regardless of their individual political ambitions or preferences.
According to Banwo, the opposition’s ability to consolidate its political strength before the election could determine whether the contest becomes a serious challenge to Tinubu or an advantage for the incumbent.
He suggested that any arrangement that leaves opposition parties competing against one another could ultimately benefit the president, rather than achieve the objective of changing the political leadership of the country.
The debate over opposition unity has remained a significant issue ahead of the 2027 election, with questions surrounding the possibility of a common platform, the choice of a presidential candidate and the willingness of political leaders to make compromises.
Obi, who contested the 2023 presidential election on the platform of the Labour Party, and Atiku, the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the same election, are among the prominent opposition figures whose political decisions could influence the next contest.
However, bringing the different political interests together would require negotiations over leadership, party structures, candidate selection and the direction of a possible coalition.
Banwo’s position underscores the argument that opposition parties must resolve these questions before the election campaign gathers momentum.
With Tinubu seeking another term, the opposition faces the task of translating public dissatisfaction with government policies into an organised electoral challenge.
For Banwo, a united opposition remains essential to making the 2027 election genuinely competitive.