Roman Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has publicly backed the G100 Coalition’s drive to unite opposition parties ahead of Nigeria’s 2027 elections, after meeting coalition leaders at his Abuja residence on Thursday, with the group set to unveil three foundational papers at its second summit on 9 November 2026.
The meeting was attended by the factional national chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Kabiru Tanimu Turaki SAN, his national secretary Honourable Daniel Woyengikuro, SDP National Chairman Professor Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, PRP National Chairman Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed and PRP National Secretary Mr Sunny Kanu. The gathering was facilitated by civil‑society scholar Professor Jibrin Ibrahim.
In a statement signed for the coalition, Salihu Moh. Lukman said the leaders briefed His Eminence on “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.”
What documents did the coalition finalize?
The cardinal was informed that three working papers have been completed: the “National Covenant for Democratic Renewal,” which sets out the coalition’s guiding principles; the “Framework for Opposition Unity,” detailing how the parties will cooperate; and the “National Reform Programme,” outlining the policy agenda a joint government would pursue.
When will the papers be adopted?
Coalition leaders aim to finalize and formally adopt the three documents at the Second Summit on 9 November 2026, when all member parties will endorse and publicise them.
What did the cardinal say about the opposition’s role?
He praised the effort, stating that “a robust opposition which is vital to the sustenance of Nigeria’s democratic traditions” is essential for the nation’s future. He added that Nigerians “will have real and credible choices to enable citizens to decide their future and leaders next year.”
The delegation highlighted recent successes in attracting additional parties to the coalition and creating mechanisms to mitigate potential disputes. They thanked the cardinal for his lifelong advocacy for justice and compassion, and requested his continued prayers for the coalition’s success.
The statement also noted that coalition leaders will meet other distinguished Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks, emphasizing a renewed focus on “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.”