2027 Elections: Onaiyekan Throws Weight Behind Opposition Unity Against Tinubu

Roman Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has backed the growing push by opposition political parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing a strong opposition as essential to Nigeria’s democratic development.

The Cardinal gave his support when leaders of the G100 Coalition visited him at his residence in Abuja on Thursday to discuss their plans to build a united opposition platform ahead of the next general elections.

The endorsement comes as the coalition prepares for its second summit scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026.

According to a statement signed on behalf of the participating parties by Salihu Moh. Lukman, the delegation briefed Onaiyekan on their “initiatives and efforts being made to present a united front of opposition political parties and ensure that Nigerians are presented with a credible alternative to rescue the country.”

The delegation featured prominent opposition figures, including the factional PDP National Chairman, Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and the faction’s National Secretary, Honourable Daniel Woyengikuro.

Others were SDP National Chairman, Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; PRP National Chairman, Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed; and PRP National Secretary, Mr Sunny Kanu.

The meeting was facilitated by civil society activist and scholar, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim.

During the discussion, the coalition disclosed that it had completed three policy and organisational documents intended to provide direction for its proposed opposition alliance.

They include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines the coalition’s principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which explains its operational structure; and the National Reform Programme, which presents the agenda of a government emerging from the alliance.

The coalition said it was working to conclude and adopt the documents before the November 9 summit, where all participating political parties are expected to endorse and publicly unveil them.

Onaiyekan welcomed the initiative, expressing support for efforts by opposition parties and their candidates to come together and strengthen Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

He described the emergence of “a robust opposition which is vital to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democratic traditions” as an important development.

The Cardinal also expressed happiness that Nigerians “will have real and credible choices to enable citizens to decide their future and leaders next year.”

He further highlighted “the role of competent, honest and sympathetic leaders in resolving the multiple problems which combine to make the decent lives of our citizens difficult or impossible to sustain.”

The coalition leaders also informed the Cardinal about their progress in bringing more political parties into the alliance and establishing structures to prevent and resolve potential disagreements among members.

They thanked him for his “lifelong stand for justice and compassion” and requested his continued prayers for the success of the coalition.

The statement disclosed that the group would extend its consultations to other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks.

It added that the coalition was determined to give Nigerians “greater faith and capacities in solving our problems with new leadership, new vision and new focus on rebuilding citizens’ welfare, security and trust in leadership.”

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