A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians under the banner of the G-100 has called on opposition political leaders to unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, warning that disunity could further weaken Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress.
In a seven-page open letter titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition,” dated August 2, 2026, the group urged key opposition figures, including the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and other political leaders to put aside personal ambitions and negotiate the emergence of a consensus presidential candidate.
The letter, signed by former APC National Vice Chairman (North West), Salihu Lukman; former House of Representatives member, Nnenna Ukeje; former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba; Professor Anthony Kila; and 96 others, argued that Nigeria’s democratic future depends on presenting voters with a credible and united alternative to the current administration.
The coalition said the country’s greatest challenge extends beyond economic hardship, stressing that the gradual weakening of democratic institutions through a fragmented opposition poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s future.
“There are seasons in the life of every nation when neutrality becomes a form of consent, and silence becomes an accomplice to decline. Nigeria has entered such a season,” the letter stated.
According to the group, Nigeria’s political system has increasingly rewarded loyalty over competence, patronage over service, and power over accountability, creating conditions that fuel poverty and poor governance.
The coalition also warned that while the APC continues to consolidate political power, opposition parties have become consumed by internal rivalries instead of building a strong electoral alternative.
“The ruling party grows stronger, not only because of its own organisation, but because it has surrendered internal dissent to the authority of the executive.
“At the same time, those entrusted with presenting Nigerians an alternative have become divided by ambition rather than united by purpose. While the executive consolidates power, the opposition fragments,” the letter added.
The group maintained that democracy cannot thrive without a credible opposition capable of peacefully challenging and replacing a government through elections, describing this principle as the “Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.”
It further stated, “The liberty of a people depends not only upon the existence of government, but upon the certainty that government may be peacefully challenged, corrected and, when necessary, replaced. A government that fears no opposition soon forgets the people. An opposition that cannot oppose soon forgets its purpose.”
The coalition announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks, where leading opposition figures, including Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and others, are expected to negotiate a common political strategy and agree on a single presidential candidate.
“We therefore call upon the leaders of the opposition to come together and negotiate in earnest how the 2027 election shall be prosecuted as a united front.
“Let that negotiation be anchored on the principles of building a cohesive single opposition candidate, a common purpose, a common programme, a common strategy and a common resolve to save Nigeria,” the group stated.
The coalition cautioned that opposition leaders who pursue separate presidential ambitions risk handing President Bola Tinubu another electoral victory.
“Nigeria cannot be rescued by opposition leaders who march separately toward the same defeat. Personal ambition must submit to national necessity, for a people divided at the moment of decision will remain governed by those who profit from that division,” it added.
The G-100 said the proposed meeting would seek a firm commitment from opposition leaders to place national interest above personal political ambitions and reaffirm the principles contained in the Ibadan Declaration of April 2026 as the foundation for producing a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election.
