Roman Catholic Cardinal John Onaiyekan has expressed support for efforts by opposition political parties under the G100 Coalition to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections, describing a strong opposition as essential for sustaining Nigeria's democratic system.
The endorsement came during a meeting in Abuja on Thursday between the cleric and leaders of several opposition parties, who briefed him on ongoing efforts to build a united political front capable of offering Nigerians an alternative leadership platform in the next election cycle.
According to a statement issued on behalf of the coalition by Salihu Mohammed Lukman, the delegation informed the Cardinal of initiatives aimed at fostering opposition unity and presenting what they described as a credible alternative for national leadership.
The delegation included the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, the party's National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro, Social Democratic Party (SDP) National Chairman Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, People's Redemption Party (PRP) National Chairman Dr Hakeem Baba Ahmed, PRP National Secretary Sunny Kanu, and civil society activist Prof. Jibrin Ibrahim, who facilitated the meeting.
Coalition leaders disclosed that they had completed work on three key documents intended to guide their operations and future political agenda. These include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines the coalition's guiding principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which defines its operational structure; and the National Reform Programme, which sets out policy priorities for a potential coalition-led government.
The documents are expected to be formally adopted and unveiled during the coalition's second summit scheduled for November 9, 2026, where participating political parties will endorse the proposals.
Speaking during the engagement, Cardinal Onaiyekan welcomed efforts to strengthen cooperation among opposition parties and their candidates, noting that Nigerians should have meaningful choices when electing their leaders.
He stressed the importance of building a robust opposition capable of deepening democratic traditions and providing effective alternatives in governance.
The cleric also emphasised the need for competent, honest and compassionate leadership to address the country's numerous economic, social and security challenges.
Coalition representatives said they updated the Cardinal on progress made in attracting more political parties to the alliance and developing mechanisms to prevent internal disagreements.
They also thanked him for his longstanding advocacy for justice and compassion and sought his continued prayers and support for the coalition's objectives.
The coalition said it plans to engage other prominent Nigerians and members of the diplomatic community in the coming weeks as part of efforts to expand support for its vision of political renewal and national development ahead of the 2027 elections.
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