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 endorsement comes as the coalition prepares for its second summit scheduled for November 9, 2026, where participating parties are expected to adopt and unveil proposals outlining their plans for political cooperation and national reforms.
On Thursday, leaders of the coalition visited Onaiyekan at his residence in Abuja, where they briefed him on their efforts to build a united opposition and present Nigerians with an alternative ahead of the next elections.
In a statement signed on behalf of the coalition parties by Salihu Moh. Lukman, the delegation said it discussed initiatives aimed at strengthening cooperation among opposition parties.
The leaders said their objective was to present a credible alternative and address the country’s challenges through a united political platform.
PDP, SDP and PRP leaders attend meeting
The delegation included the factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, and the faction’s National Secretary, Daniel Woyengikuro.
Also present were the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and the National Chairman of the People’s Redemption Party (PRP), Hakeem Baba Ahmed.
The PRP National Secretary, Sunny Kanu, also attended the meeting, alongside civil society activist and scholar, Jibrin Ibrahim, who facilitated the engagement.
The coalition leaders told the Cardinal that they had completed three working papers intended to guide the alliance and its proposed political programme.
The documents include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines the coalition’s principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, which explains how participating parties will work together; and the National Reform Programme, which sets out the policy direction of a government formed through the cooperation.
According to the statement, the coalition is working to finalise and adopt the documents before its November 9 summit.
Political parties participating in the alliance are expected to endorse and unveil the papers at the meeting.
Onaiyekan welcomed the efforts by opposition parties and their candidates to work together, saying a strong opposition was important to sustaining Nigeria’s democratic traditions.
He also expressed satisfaction that Nigerians would have credible choices in the next general elections and the opportunity to decide their future leaders.
The Cardinal further emphasised the importance of competent, honest and compassionate leadership in addressing the challenges affecting citizens’ lives.
He said leadership played a significant role in resolving the problems that make decent living difficult for many Nigerians.
The delegation also briefed Onaiyekan on its efforts to attract more political parties into the coalition and establish mechanisms for resolving possible disagreements among members.
The leaders thanked the Cardinal for his longstanding advocacy for justice and compassion and requested his continued prayers for the success of the initiative.
The statement added that the coalition planned to meet other prominent Nigerians and diplomatic missions in the coming weeks as part of its consultations.
It said the alliance was focused on promoting new leadership, a fresh national vision and policies aimed at improving citizens’ welfare, security and confidence in public institutions.
The November 9 summit is expected to provide another opportunity for participating parties to discuss the coalition’s structure, agree on its guiding documents and outline their proposed direction ahead of the 2027 elections.
