The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) has said opposition unity remains possible ahead of the 2027 general election despite the absence of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, from Monday’s National Opposition Summit in Abuja.

NDC chieftain and the party’s Lagos Central senatorial candidate, Ladipo Johnson, stated this on Tuesday while speaking on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese-Ijebu.

Johnson said the absence of Atiku and Obi should not be interpreted as a lack of interest in opposition unity, stressing that political parties have an important role to play in the negotiations.

“We have to keep aspiring but I wouldn't say that the absence of the gentlemen means that it was not a serious occasion... They do,” he said.

He explained that the parties must first establish an understanding before presidential candidates are brought into the process, adding that political parties traditionally play a central role in such negotiations.

Johnson said a united opposition would be stronger and better positioned to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative capable of addressing the country’s economic and security challenges.

“One thing is clear, the stronger we are, the better for us. We have to come together to make sure that we give Nigerians an opportunity, an alternative that is credible and strong,” he stated.

On whether Peter Obi could relinquish his presidential ambition in favour of another opposition candidate, Johnson said the current situation was different from previous political arrangements involving the ADC.

“Right now, there is a possibility of working together. I doubt if anyone will be leaving somewhere to join someone else or whatever,” he said, suggesting that parties could support a common candidate without merging.

Johnson said the emergence of the NDC ticket featuring Obi and Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso had not closed the door to a wider opposition alliance, as other parties could still endorse or support the ticket before the election.

“It was just the principles that were spoken about that we should make sure that we have one presidential candidate that we would all support... and so, it is still a possibility,” he added.

Asked whether he would support a consensus candidate who is not Obi, Johnson said he would abide by the decision of the NDC leadership, stressing that party discipline required members to respect collective decisions.

He said the objective should not simply be to defeat President Bola Tinubu or the APC, but to present Nigerians with a better alternative. “It is not just about getting rid of President Bola Tinubu or the APC... it is about presenting something better,” he stated.

Johnson also praised Kwankwaso for supporting Obi, describing the decision as an act of statesmanship and saying it followed extensive consultations and consideration of the country’s North-South political balance.

He rejected claims that Atiku automatically has a larger organic following than Obi, arguing that Atiku’s 2023 performance was achieved under the platform of the PDP.

“I keep telling people that when it comes to organic followership, I don't think anyone beats both of them, Peter Obi and Kwankwaso,” he said.

Johnson expressed confidence that a high voter turnout in 2027 would work against the ruling APC, arguing that many Nigerians are dissatisfied with the country’s economic and security situation.

“Mass turnout of voters will not be in favour of the ruling party. Nigerians are not mad people,” he said.