An anti-Bola Tinubu coalition of 100 Nigerians under the aegis of G-100 has called on leaders of the opposition to unite behind a single presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that a divided opposition cannot defeat what it described as a consolidating ruling party.
In an open letter titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition,” the group said it would convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within two weeks, where every aspirant would be confronted with what it called the bar of patriotism.
“Within the next two weeks, we shall convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders, where every candidate’s ambition shall be summoned before the bar of patriotism and every man or woman shall be asked a single question: whether he or she seeks to contest the 2027 elections for himself or herself, or the salvation of Nigeria,” the group stated.
The letter, signed by 100 individuals including former National Vice Chairman, Northwest of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, and founding chieftain of the opposition African Democratic Congress, ADC, Salihu Moh. Lukman, former federal lawmaker, Hon. Nnena Ukeje, former Kogi state Deputy Governor, Elder Simon Achuba and Dr. Akilu Indabawa, was addressed to opposition leaders expected to shape the 2027 contest, including Senator David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Bala Mohammed, Senator Seriake Dickson, Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Donald Duke, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe and Prince Adewole Adebayo.
G-100 argued that Nigeria’s crisis was structural rather than purely economic or political, blaming a system it said rewards loyalty over merit and patronage over service. “We have fashioned a political order that too often rewards loyalty over merit, patronage over service, and power over accountability,” the group said, adding that “no people have ever repaired their economy while neglecting the condition of their politics.”
The coalition invoked historical precedents to justify its intervention, citing the G34’s opposition to military self-succession and the Doctrine of Necessity invoked during the prolonged absence of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
It said democracies do not collapse suddenly but decay gradually. “Democracies rarely perish in a single day. They decay when opposition becomes disorganised, when citizens become indifferent, and when ambition triumphs over principle,” the letter read.
On the planned convention, G-100 said it would build on an earlier resolution reached by opposition figures. “We shall reaffirm the spirit and purpose of the Ibadan Declaration of April 2026, and from that common foundation establish a new and honourable course towards the adoption of a single presidential standard-bearer for the democratic opposition,” the group said, adding that details of the national convocation would be announced in the days ahead.
The group also appealed to civil society, professionals, clergy and labour leaders to speak out, insisting that liberty erodes gradually when citizens tire of defending it.
It maintained that no individual had an inherent right to lead Nigeria, stressing that leadership must be earned and remain subject to popular will.
