A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians under the banner of the G-100 has called on Nigeria’s leading opposition figures to put aside personal ambitions and rally behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election, warning that a divided opposition could pave the way for another victory by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a seven-page open letter titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition,” dated August 2, 2026, the coalition appealed to the presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) candidate, Peter Obi; former Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and other opposition leaders to immediately begin negotiations aimed at presenting a united front ahead of the next presidential election.
The letter was 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; political economist Prof. Anthony Kila; and 96 other signatories.
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According to the coalition, Nigeria’s greatest challenge extends beyond rising inflation, unemployment and poverty, arguing that the country’s democratic institutions are increasingly being weakened by a fragmented opposition and an excessive concentration of political power.
“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.
The group argued that the country’s political system has increasingly rewarded loyalty and patronage rather than competence, accountability and public service, saying such a system inevitably undermines national development.
The G-100 also criticised opposition parties for allowing internal rivalries and presidential ambitions to overshadow efforts to build a credible electoral alternative to the APC.
According to the coalition, while the ruling party continues to consolidate political influence, opposition parties have become increasingly divided.
The coalition described a functional opposition as indispensable to any democratic system, arguing that governments remain accountable only when voters have a credible alternative capable of peacefully replacing them through elections.
It announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks. The proposed meeting is expected to bring together Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other opposition stakeholders to negotiate a common political strategy.
According to the coalition, discussions at the meeting will focus on producing a consensus presidential candidate, adopting a common programme and agreeing on a unified campaign strategy for the 2027 election.
The coalition warned that any opposition leader who insists on pursuing an individual presidential ambition could inadvertently strengthen President Bola Tinubu’s chances of securing a second term in office.
It added that the proposed meeting would seek what it described as “a solemn covenant” among opposition leaders, reaffirming the principles of the Ibadan Declaration adopted in April 2026 as the framework for negotiating a consensus presidential ticket ahead of the 2027 general election.
