Onaiyekan urges opposition parties to unite ahead of 2027 elections

Catholic prelate John Onaiyekan has called on opposition political parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general election, warning that a strong opposition is essential to the survival of Nigeria’s democracy.

Onaiyekan made the appeal on Thursday when leaders of political parties under the G100 Coalition visited him at his residence to brief him on their efforts to build a united opposition ahead of the elections.

The delegation, comprising national chairmen and national secretaries of some political parties, said the coalition was working to provide Nigerians with a credible alternative to the ruling party.

According to a statement issued on Friday and signed by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the coalition parties, the cardinal welcomed the initiative, expressing delight that Nigerians could have genuine choices in determining their leaders in 2027.

“He expressed his joy at the signal that Nigerians will have real and credible choices to enable citizens to decide their future and leaders next year,” the statement said.

Onaiyekan also stressed the need for competent, honest and compassionate leadership to address the challenges confronting Nigerians and improve their living conditions.

During the meeting, the coalition informed the cardinal that it had concluded work on three policy and operational documents designed to guide its activities and proposed political direction.

The documents include the National Covenant for Democratic Renewal, which outlines its core principles; the Framework for Opposition Unity, detailing its operational structure; and the National Reform Programme, which sets out its proposed policy agenda.