‘Atiku, Obi, others must unite’ – Cardinal Onaiyekan backs opposition coalition ahead of 2027

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.

The Cardinal gave his support when leaders of the coalition visited him at his residence in Abuja on Thursday, as the group prepares for its second summit scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026.

The delegation, comprising national chairmen and national secretaries of some political parties, briefed him on efforts to build a united opposition platform and provide Nigerians with what they described as a credible alternative ahead of the elections.

In a statement signed on behalf of the coalition parties by Salihu Moh. Lukman, the leaders said they discussed “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.”

Among those who attended the meeting were the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, and the faction’s National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro.

Also present were the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe; the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed; and the PRP National Secretary, Sunny Kanu.

A civil society activist and scholar, Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, facilitated the meeting.

The coalition leaders informed the Cardinal that they had completed three working papers intended to guide the group’s activities and policy direction.

The documents include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines the coalition’s guiding principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which sets out how the alliance will operate; and the National Reform Programme, which details the policies a government emerging from the coalition’s cooperation would pursue.

According to the statement, the coalition is working towards finalising and adopting the documents ahead of its second summit on November 9, when participating political parties are expected to endorse and unveil them.

Onaiyekan reportedly welcomed the efforts by opposition parties and their candidates to work together, noting that a strong opposition was essential to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic traditions.

He also expressed satisfaction that Nigerians could have credible alternatives from which to choose their leaders in the 2027 elections.

The Cardinal further highlighted the importance of competent, honest and compassionate leadership in addressing the challenges affecting citizens’ living conditions.

The delegation also briefed him on efforts to attract more political parties into the coalition and establish mechanisms for resolving potential disagreements among members.

The leaders commended Onaiyekan for what they described as his lifelong commitment to justice and compassion, while seeking his prayers for the success of the coalition.

The statement added that the group would engage other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks as part of its efforts to broaden support for the initiative.

It said the coalition was committed to promoting a new political direction focused on improving citizens’ welfare, strengthening security and rebuilding public trust in leadership.

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