2027 Onaiyekan Backs Opposition Unity Push Against Tinubu
2027 Onaiyekan Backs Opposition Unity Push Against Tinubu
Former Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, has expressed support for efforts by opposition political parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections and provide a common challenge to President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Onaiyekan made his position known when leaders of the G100 Coalition, comprising national chairmen and secretaries of opposition political parties, visited him at his residence in Abuja on Thursday. The delegation briefed the cardinal on ongoing efforts to build a united opposition platform capable of presenting Nigerians with a credible alternative in the forthcoming elections. The meeting was disclosed in a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties. According to the statement, Onaiyekan expressed support for the initiative, describing a strong and united opposition as important to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic traditions. He also welcomed the possibility of Nigerians having genuine and credible choices in the 2027 elections, allowing citizens to determine their future through the ballot. The cardinal emphasised the importance of competent, honest and compassionate leadership in addressing the country’s economic, security and social challenges. He urged opposition leaders to focus on developing a common vision that would respond to the difficulties confronting Nigerians. During the meeting, the opposition delegation informed Onaiyekan that it had completed work on three major documents intended to guide the coalition’s activities.
- National Covenant for Democratic Renewal: Outlines the principles and values guiding the coalition.
- Framework for Opposition Unity: Explains the structure and operational arrangements for cooperation among participating parties.
- National Reform Programme: Sets out the policies and priorities of a government emerging from the coalition.
The coalition said it was working towards adopting the documents before its second summit scheduled for November 9, 2026.
Participating political parties are expected to endorse and publicly unveil the documents at the summit. The delegation also briefed the cardinal on progress made in attracting additional political parties and developing mechanisms to resolve potential disagreements among coalition members. Among those who attended the meeting were factional Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and the faction’s National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro. Also present were Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman, Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and People’s Redemption Party (PRP) National Chairman, Hakeem Baba Ahmed, alongside the party’s National Secretary, Sunny Kanu. Public affairs analyst and scholar, Jibrin Ibrahim, facilitated the meeting. The coalition said its objective was to establish a coordinated opposition platform capable of rebuilding public confidence in democratic governance. The statement disclosed that coalition leaders would continue consultations with prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks to strengthen support for the initiative.The group said it was committed to promoting new leadership, improved governance, national security and citizens’ welfare. The meeting with Onaiyekan forms part of broader efforts by opposition parties to overcome political differences and establish a common platform ahead of the 2027 general elections.
