2027: Coalition Tells Atiku, Makinde, Obi, Amaechi, Kwankwaso Others To Back Single Presidential Candidate

A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians under the banner of the G-100 has called on leading opposition figures to put aside personal ambitions and unite behind a single presidential candidate for the 2027 general election.

In a seven-page open letter titled, “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition,” dated August 2, 2026, the coalition urged the African Democratic Congress presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar; the Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate, Peter Obi; former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi; former Kano State governor, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; and other opposition leaders to negotiate the emergence of a consensus presidential flag bearer.

The letter was signed by former APC National Vice Chairman (North-West), Salihu Lukman; former House of Representatives member, Nnenna Ukeje; former Kogi State Deputy Governor, Simon Achuba; Professor Anthony Kila; and 96 other signatories.

The coalition said Nigeria’s democratic future depends on presenting Nigerians with a credible and united alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress, warning that the greatest threat facing the country is not only economic hardship but also the gradual weakening of democratic institutions caused by a fragmented opposition and the growing concentration of political power.

“There are seasons in the life of every nation when neutrality becomes a form of consent, and silence becomes an accomplice to decline. Nigeria has entered such a season,” the letter partly stated.

According to the group, the nation’s challenges extend beyond inflation, unemployment and poverty, arguing that the deeper crisis lies in a political system that rewards loyalty above competence and patronage over public service.

“We have fashioned a political order that too often rewards loyalty over merit, patronage over service, and power over accountability. We should not wonder that such a system produces poverty and misery, for a nation cannot harvest prosperity from institutions that perpetuate poverty and deprivation,” it said.

The G-100 also expressed concern over what it described as the continued consolidation of power by the ruling APC, while opposition parties remain divided by internal rivalries.

“The ruling party grows stronger, not only because of its own organisation, but because it has surrendered internal dissent to the authority of the executive.

“At the same time, those entrusted with presenting Nigerians an alternative have become divided by ambition rather than united by purpose. While the executive consolidates power, the opposition fragments,” it lamented.

The coalition maintained that democracy can only thrive where there is a credible opposition capable of peacefully replacing the government through elections, describing the principle as the “Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.”

The letter further read, “The liberty of a people depends not only upon the existence of government, but upon the certainty that government may be peacefully challenged, corrected and, when necessary, replaced. A government that fears no opposition soon forgets the people. An opposition that cannot oppose soon forgets its purpose.”

As part of efforts to foster opposition unity, the group announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks. The meeting is expected to bring together Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other political leaders to negotiate a common political strategy and agree on a single presidential candidate.

“We therefore call upon the leaders of the opposition to come together, to negotiate in earnest how the 2027 election shall be prosecuted as a united front.

“Let that negotiation be anchored on the principles of building a cohesive single opposition candidate and a common purpose, a common programme, a common strategy and a common resolve to save Nigeria,” the group stated.

The coalition warned that opposition leaders who insist on pursuing separate presidential ambitions could hand President Bola Tinubu another electoral victory.

“Nigeria cannot be rescued by opposition leaders who march separately toward the same defeat. Personal ambition must submit to national necessity, for a people divided at the moment of decision will remain governed by those who profit from that division,” it argued.

The G-100 said the proposed national meeting would seek to secure what it described as “a solemn covenant” from opposition leaders, committing them to place national interest above personal political aspirations.

It added that participants would reaffirm the principles contained in the Ibadan Declaration of April 2026 as the framework for negotiating a consensus presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 elections.

End.