Lukman Calls for Opposition Unity Against APC in 2027
A coalition of 100 prominent Nigerians, known as the G100, has urged leading opposition politicians to set aside personal presidential ambitions and form a united front ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The G100’s Open Letter
The appeal was made in a seven‑page open letter dated 2 August 2026 titled “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition.”
The letter warns that continued fragmentation among opposition parties would weaken Nigeria’s democracy and strengthen the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
It was addressed to key figures such as African Democratic Congress presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria Democratic Congress counterpart Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, Rabiu Kwankwaso, former transport minister Rotimi Amaechi, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, and former Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Other recipients included Seriake Dickson, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Hakeem Baba‑Ahmed, Donald Duke, Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, and Prince Adewole Adebayo.
The G100 argues that the APC has consolidated power because meaningful opposition, both inside and outside government, has deteriorated.
It contends that many opposition politicians are more focused on personal aspirations than on building a credible alternative capable of challenging the ruling party.
The coalition states that a functioning democracy requires voters to be presented with a genuine alternative to the incumbent, and that elections without real choice are merely ceremonial.
Call for a National Council of Opposition Leaders
To advance the proposed alliance, the G100 announced plans to convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders within two weeks.
The council will build on the April 2026 Ibadan Declaration and develop a framework for selecting a consensus presidential candidate for the 2027 election.
Every prospective candidate must be willing to place personal ambition beneath the broader need to strengthen the country’s democracy.
The coalition also called on civil society organisations, academics, labour unions and ordinary Nigerians to pressure opposition leaders into embracing cooperation.
It warned that continued division could undermine democratic accountability and that the question before Nigeria is larger than the outcome of the next election — it is whether the nation will remain a republic where power answers to the people.
