A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians over the weekend, launched a new initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections, unveiling what it described as the “Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.”
The initiative, unveiled on Sunday under the banner of G100, brings together opposition politicians, civil society leaders, academics, public policy experts and civic advocates who say a united opposition is essential to safeguarding Nigeria’s democracy and providing Nigerians with a credible alternative.
In a declaration released in Abuja, the group argued that the country’s challenges are not only economic and political but also structural, insisting that lasting national renewal depends on the emergence of a strong, principled and united democratic opposition capable of holding the government accountable.
According to the G100, democracy cannot thrive where opposition forces remain fragmented by personal ambition instead of united by a common national purpose.
The declaration was endorsed by 100 Nigerians from across the political and civic spectrum. Among the signatories are Salihu Mohammed Lukman, former House of Representatives member Nnenna Ukeje, former Kogi State Deputy Governor Simon Achuba, Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Akilu Indabawa, Dr. Awalu Anwar, Dr. Emeka Ejikonye, Dr. Ibrahim Moddibo, Dr. Ladan Salihu, Dr. Ayokunle Fagbemi, Ambassador RBW Onemola and Hon. Sergios Ogun.
Other signatories include Ose Anenih, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, Zainab Buba Galadima, Itunu Akinmosin, Aliyu Audu, Helen Yashin, Barrister Ita Essien, Henry Oqua, Salisu Abdullai, Aminu Datti Ahmed, Ambassador Serah Ibrahim, Hauwa Ashafa, Jackie Wayas, Ikagbo Gabriel, Ilemona Onoja and Olu Onemola.
The group directly appealed to key opposition figures, including Senator David Mark, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Governor Seyi Makinde, Governor Bala Mohammed, Senator Seriake Dickson, Rotimi Amaechi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Donald Duke, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe and Adewole Adebayo, urging them to set aside personal ambitions and negotiate a united front for the 2027 elections.
The declaration posed what it described as a defining question for opposition leaders: how a divided opposition expects to defeat the ruling party if it cannot first unite around a common purpose.
“The hour is too grave for scattered ambition and private calculation. Nigeria cannot be rescued by opposition leaders who march separately toward the same defeat,” the declaration stated.
It also warned that history would judge the choices made by today’s opposition leaders, saying those who place national interest above personal ambition would earn lasting recognition.
As part of the initiative, the G100 announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks. The meeting, it said, would bring together opposition leaders from across the country to negotiate a common programme, agree on a unified strategy and work towards the emergence of a single presidential candidate for the democratic opposition ahead of the 2027 elections.
The coalition said the meeting would also reaffirm the principles of the Ibadan Declaration as a framework for building a stronger and more coordinated opposition.
The G100 stressed that its initiative was not designed to promote any particular presidential aspirant or political tendency but to strengthen democratic competition, protect democratic institutions and ensure Nigerians have a credible electoral alternative in 2027.
It urged opposition leaders, civil society organisations and citizens to seize what it described as a defining moment for Nigeria’s democracy by working together to preserve genuine democratic choice and national unity.
