The Lagos State chairman of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), James Adeshina, says opposition unity is critical to presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative in the 2027 general elections.

Mr Adeshina, who is also publicity secretary of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said on Sunday in Lagos that the G100 coalition initiative by opposition leaders could help build a stronger, better-coordinated opposition.

Applauding the PRP presidential candidate, Donald Duke’s involvement in the initiative, Mr Adeshina said opposition parties needed to learn from the vote-splitting among several presidential candidates in the 2023 elections.

Mr Adeshina said, “Donald Duke’s involvement in the G100 initiative is a positive development, because Nigeria needs a stronger, more credible and better-coordinated opposition ahead of 2027.

“As the presidential candidate of the Peoples Redemption Party, Duke has demonstrated political maturity by putting the broader national interest above personal ambition.

“His position that he is prepared to support whoever emerges from a credible and transparent process shows that the opposition must learn from the mistakes of 2023, when votes were divided among several candidates.”

Mr Adeshina, however, cautioned that opposition unity should not be driven solely by the desire to defeat the All Progressives Congress (APC) or share political positions.

He said any alliance must be based on principles, transparency, democratic decision-making and a common programme to address Nigeria’s challenges.

“It must be based on clearly defined principles, a transparent decision-making process and democratic internal mechanisms.

“There must be a common programme capable of addressing Nigeria’s economic hardship, insecurity, unemployment, poverty and institutional weaknesses.

“The PRP welcomes every genuine effort to bring opposition parties and Nigerians of like minds to the negotiating table,” he said.

Mr Adeshina said participating parties must retain their identities and structures while working toward presenting Nigerians with a credible national political alternative.

“Duke’s participation should therefore be seen not as a personal political adventure, but as part of a broader conversation about how the opposition can present Nigerians with a competent, united and credible alternative in 2027,” he added.

G100 is an emerging coalition initiative involving opposition figures and political actors seeking greater collaboration and coordination ahead of the 2027 general elections.

(NAN)