A coalition of one hundred prominent Nigerians drawn from across the opposition, civil society, academia and public policy has called on opposition leaders to unite and field a single presidential candidate for the 2027 elections.

To actualize their objective, the coalition has launched “the Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition,” a new national initiative aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Among those that endorsed the declaration were Salihu Lukman, Hon. Nnena Ukeje, Elder Simon Achuba, Dr. Akilu Indabawa, Hon. Annie Ekeh, Prof. Anthony Kila, Dr. Awalu Anwar, Dr. Emeka Ejikonye, Dr. Ibrahim Moddibo, Dr. Ladan Salihu, Dr. Ayokunle Fagbemi, Salihu Tanko Yakasai, Zainab Buba Galadima and Hon. Sergios Ogun among others.

They argued that Nigeria’s present crisis is not merely economic or political, but fundamentally structural, insisting that no lasting national renewal is possible without a strong, principled and united democratic opposition capable of holding government accountable and offering Nigerians a credible alternative.

The initiative followed growing concern over the fragmentation of Nigeria’s opposition and what its promoters describe as the gradual weakening of democratic accountability.

According to the declaration, democracy cannot flourish where those entrusted with offering an alternative remain divided by personal ambition rather than united by national purpose.

The coalition called on leading opposition leaders, like David Mark, Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, Governor Seyi Makinde, Governor Bala Mohammed, Senator Seriake Dickson, Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Donald Duke, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe and Prince Adewole Adebayo, to rise above personal ambition and negotiate a united front for the 2027 elections.

The coalition wondered how a fractured opposition expect to defeat a ruling party if it cannot first unite around a common purpose, arguing that before Nigerians are asked once again for their votes, opposition leaders owe the country a credible answer on how they intend to win in their divided state.

The G100 warned that “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.

“History has little regard for frustrated ambition. It reserves its highest honour for those who place country above self.”

As part of the initiative, the G100 announced that it will convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks, bringing together opposition leaders from across the country to negotiate a common programme, a common strategy and a united path towards the emergence of a single presidential standard-bearer for the democratic opposition.

The meeting will also reaffirm the spirit of the Ibadan Declaration as the basis for building a stronger and more coordinated opposition ahead of 2027.

According to the declaration, the initiative is not intended to promote any individual candidate or political tendency, but to safeguard democratic competition, strengthen democratic institutions and ensure Nigerians are presented with a credible alternative capable of renewing confidence in the people. (Daily Trust)