100 Prominent Nigerians Unit To Strengthen Opposition Against Tinubu In 2027

100 Prominent Nigerians Unit

 

OpenLife News reports that a  coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians has warned that only a united opposition can stop what it described as the gradual erosion of Nigeria’s democracy and the continued dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC.

In a seven-page open letter titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition” dated August 2, 2026, the group, under the banner G-100, called on key opposition leaders to immediately set aside personal ambitions and negotiate the emergence of a single presidential candidate for the 2027 election.

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

The group named those expected to lead the talks to include African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar; Nigeria Democratic Congress candidate Peter Obi; former Rivers governor Rotimi Amaechi; former Kano governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso; Oyo governor Seyi Makinde; ex-Senate President David Mark; and former Osun governor Rauf Aregbesola.

According to G-100, Nigeria’s biggest challenge is not just economic hardship but the weakening of democratic institutions caused by a fragmented opposition and the concentration of 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 stated.

The coalition argued that the country’s political system now 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.G-100 accused the APC of growing stronger because it has “surrendered internal dissent to the authority of the executive,” while the opposition remains divided by ambition.

“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 group said democracy cannot survive without a credible opposition capable of peacefully replacing government through elections — a principle it called “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.”

“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,” the letter read.

To address this, G-100 announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within the next two weeks. The meeting is expected to produce what the group called “a solemn covenant” committing leaders to a common strategy and a single presidential flag bearer.

“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,” it stated.

The coalition warned that leaders who insist on individual ambitions risk guaranteeing another victory for President Bola Tinubu.

“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 said.G-100 disclosed that the meeting will also reaffirm the principles of the Ibadan Declaration of April 2026 as the foundation for negotiating a consensus candidate.

The group concluded that Nigerians deserve a credible alternative, and that presenting one requires sacrifice from those who currently lead the opposition.