Catholic cleric and former Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has backed the moves by opposition political parties to form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections, saying a strong opposition is critical to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.
Onaiyekan expressed his support on Thursday when leaders of the G100 Coalition, an alliance of opposition political parties, visited him at his residence in Abuja to brief him on their ongoing efforts to strengthen cooperation ahead of the polls.
The meeting comes ahead of the coalition’s second summit scheduled for November 9, 2026, where member parties are expected to adopt and unveil a framework for opposition unity and a proposed national reform agenda.
According to a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties, the delegation explained the various initiatives being pursued to bring opposition parties together and offer Nigerians a credible alternative in the 2027 elections.
The delegation comprised the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN; the factional National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro; the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; and the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed.
The PRP National Secretary, Sunny Kanu, was also part of the delegation, while civil society activist and scholar, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, facilitated the meeting.
The coalition leaders informed the cardinal that they had completed three major working documents designed to guide the alliance and establish the policy direction of a possible government emerging from the cooperation.
The documents include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which defines the coalition’s principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which outlines its operational arrangements; and the National Reform Programme, which sets out its proposed governance priorities.
The statement said the coalition was working to conclude and formally adopt the documents ahead of its November 9 summit, where all participating parties are expected to endorse and present them.
Responding, Onaiyekan welcomed the initiative and expressed satisfaction with efforts to bring opposition parties and their candidates together.
He described a robust opposition as indispensable to preserving Nigeria’s democratic traditions, stressing that citizens should have credible political alternatives from which to choose their leaders.
The cardinal also expressed hope that Nigerians would have genuine choices in next year's elections, enabling them to determine their political future through a competitive democratic process.
He underscored the need for competent, honest and compassionate leadership, noting that such qualities were essential to resolving the country's numerous challenges and improving the living conditions of citizens.
The delegation also informed him of progress made in bringing more political parties into the coalition, as well as efforts to establish mechanisms for managing disagreements and preventing potential conflicts among members.
It said the initiative was designed to address possible sources of discord and ensure that the alliance remained focused on its broader objective of providing an alternative political direction for the country.
The coalition leaders commended Onaiyekan for his longstanding commitment to justice and compassion and appealed for his continued prayers for the success of their undertaking.
The statement further disclosed that the coalition would engage other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks as part of efforts to expand consultations and build wider support for its agenda.
It said the coalition's ultimate objective was to restore citizens' confidence in the country's future through new leadership, a new vision and a renewed commitment to improving welfare, strengthening security and rebuilding public trust in government.
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