GC-100 Urges Opposition Leaders to Unite Behind One Presidential Candidate for 2027
August 2, 2026 | By Dirisu Yakubu
A coalition of 100 notable Nigerians, operating under the name *G-100*, says only a united opposition can stop the decline of Nigeria’s democracy and check the growing dominance of the ruling *All Progressives Congress*.
In a 7-page open letter titled _“The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition”_ dated August 2, 2026, the group called on major opposition figures — including *ADC’s Atiku Abubakar, NDC’s Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, and Rabiu Kwankwaso* — to drop personal ambitions and agree on one presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
The letter was signed by former APC Vice Chairman (North-West) *Salihu Lukman*, ex-lawmaker *Nnenna Ukeje*, former Kogi Deputy Governor *Simon Achuba*, *Prof. Anthony Kila*, and 96 others.
They argued that Nigeria’s future depends on presenting voters with a credible, united alternative to the current government.
According to the G-100, the biggest threat to the country is not just economic hardship, but the weakening of democratic institutions caused by a divided opposition and too much power concentrated in one party.
“There are times in a nation’s history when staying neutral means accepting decline, and silence means aiding it. Nigeria is in that moment,” the letter stated.
The group said the crisis goes beyond inflation, unemployment and poverty.
“We have built a system that rewards loyalty over competence, patronage over service, and power over accountability. A nation cannot produce prosperity from institutions designed to entrench poverty,” it added.
The coalition accused opposition parties of wasting energy on internal fights while the APC grows stronger by suppressing dissent.
“While the executive consolidates power, the opposition keeps fragmenting,” it lamented.
The G-100 stressed that democracy only works when there is a credible opposition that can peacefully take over power — what it called _“the Doctrine of a necessary democratic opposition.”_
“A government that faces no opposition soon forgets the people. An opposition that cannot oppose has lost its purpose,” the letter read.
To address this, the coalition announced plans to host a *National Council of Opposition Leaders* within two weeks. Expected attendees include *Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso, Amaechi, Makinde, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola*.
The meeting is expected to produce a common strategy and a commitment to field one presidential candidate.
“We urge opposition leaders to come together and negotiate in good faith on how to contest 2027 as one front. That must be built on one candidate, one programme, one strategy, and one resolve to save Nigeria,” the group said.
The G-100 warned that any leader who insists on running alone risks handing *President Bola Tinubu* another victory.
“Nigeria cannot be saved by opposition leaders marching separately to the same defeat. Personal ambition must give way to national interest,” it stated.
The coalition said the meeting will also seek a “solemn covenant” from opposition leaders to put the nation first, and will be guided by the *Ibadan Declaration of April 2026* as the basis for choosing a consensus candidate.
