A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians operating under the G-100 platform has called on opposition leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election. The group warned that a divided opposition would struggle to defeat what it described as an increasingly organised ruling party.
Coalition plans opposition council
The G-100 made the call in an open letter titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.” The coalition announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks.
According to the group, the meeting will bring together major opposition figures and presidential aspirants to determine the best way forward before the 2027 election. The coalition said every aspirant must decide whether personal ambition or Nigeria’s interest should come first.
“Within the next two weeks, we shall convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders, where every candidate’s ambition shall be summoned before the bar of patriotism and every man or woman shall be asked a single question: whether he or she seeks to contest the 2027 elections for himself or herself, or the salvation of Nigeria.”
Opposition leaders listed
One hundred members of the coalition signed the letter. They include former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West) and ADC chieftain Salihu Mohammed Lukman, former lawmaker Nnena Ukeje, former Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba and Dr Akilu Indabawa.
The coalition sent the letter to several opposition leaders expected to shape the 2027 presidential race. Those listed include former Senate President David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru Turaki, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Donald Duke, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe and Prince Adewole Adebayo.
Group blames political system
The coalition argued that Nigeria’s problems extend beyond the economy. It said the country’s political system rewards loyalty instead of merit and patronage instead of accountability.
“We have fashioned a political order that too often rewards loyalty over merit, patronage over service, and power over accountability.”
The group added that Nigeria cannot rebuild its economy without first fixing its political system.
Coalition cites past examples
The G-100 pointed to earlier democratic interventions to justify its position. It cited the G34’s opposition to military self-succession and the Doctrine of Necessity adopted during the prolonged absence of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. The coalition also warned that democracies often decline gradually rather than collapse overnight.
“Democracies rarely perish in a single day. They decay when opposition becomes disorganised, when citizens become indifferent, and when ambition triumphs over principle.”
Calls for united opposition
The coalition said it will build on the Ibadan Declaration reached by opposition figures in April 2026. According to the group, the proposed council will work toward producing a single presidential standard-bearer for the opposition ahead of the 2027 election. The coalition said it will announce details of the planned national meeting in the coming days.
Appeals to Nigerians
The G-100 also called on civil society organisations, labour unions, professionals and religious leaders to defend Nigeria’s democracy. It maintained that no individual has an automatic right to lead the country. According to the coalition, Nigerians must earn leadership through service and the democratic process.
The group urged opposition leaders to place national interest above personal ambition. It insisted that a united ruling party cannot be defeated by a divided opposition.
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