Onaiyekan Backs Opposition Coalition’s Push for Unity Ahead of 2027 Elections

Roman Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has expressed support for efforts by opposition political parties under the G100 Coalition to unite and present Nigerians with an alternative ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Onaiyekan gave his support when leaders of the coalition visited his residence in Abuja on Thursday to brief him on their plans and ongoing efforts to build a united opposition platform.

The delegation comprised national chairmen and secretaries of participating political parties, including the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and its National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro.

Also present were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) National Chairman, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, and the PRP National Secretary, Sunny Kanu. Civil society activist and scholar, Jibrin Ibrahim, facilitated the meeting.

According to a statement issued on behalf of the coalition by Salihu Moh. Lukman, the delegation briefed the Cardinal on initiatives aimed at presenting a united opposition and providing Nigerians with what it described as a credible alternative ahead of the elections.

The coalition disclosed that it had completed three working papers to guide its activities. They include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines its guiding principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which explains how participating parties intend to work together; and the National Reform Programme, which sets out the policy direction of a government emerging from the coalition.

The documents are expected to be finalised and adopted ahead of the coalition’s second summit scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, where participating parties are expected to endorse and unveil them.

Onaiyekan welcomed the initiative, expressing support for efforts to build a united opposition capable of strengthening Nigeria’s democratic traditions.

He also welcomed the prospect of Nigerians having credible political alternatives, saying citizens should have meaningful choices when deciding their leaders and the country’s future in 2027.

The Cardinal further emphasised the importance of competent, honest and compassionate leadership in addressing the challenges affecting the welfare and living conditions of Nigerians.

The delegation also briefed him on efforts to attract more political parties into the coalition and establish mechanisms to address potential disagreements among members.

The coalition leaders thanked Onaiyekan for his longstanding advocacy for justice and compassion and requested his continued prayers for the success of their initiative.

The statement added that the group plans to engage other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks as it continues preparations for its second summit.

The G100 Coalition said its broader objective was to promote new leadership and a renewed focus on citizens’ welfare, national security and public trust ahead of the 2027 elections.