2027: G100 rallies opposition parties, urges ADC, NDC, others to embrace unity

The G100 has called on Nigeria’s opposition political parties, their leaders and members to embrace cooperation and put aside differences ahead of the First Summit of Nigeria’s Opposition Political Parties scheduled for Monday in Abuja.

The group made the appeal in a statement signed by one of its leaders, Salihu Moh. Lukman, Sunday in Abuja, stressing that the summit comes at a critical moment for Nigeria’s democracy.

According to the G100, millions of Nigerians are looking to the opposition not only to criticise the government but also to demonstrate the maturity, discipline and national purpose needed to provide a credible alternative.

The group acknowledged that participating political parties have different histories, identities, ambitions and interests, but argued that these differences should not prevent them from working together on issues of common national concern.

“Cooperation does not require any party to surrender its identity or legitimate aspirations. It simply requires the wisdom to recognise that there are moments when what unites us must become more important than what separates us,” the statement said.

The G100 noted that experience from elections in Nigeria and other democracies has shown that divisions among opposition parties can weaken their collective influence by fragmenting votes, resources and political energy.

“Division is a choice. Cooperation must now become a strategy,” the group declared.

It said Monday’s summit provides an opportunity for opposition leaders to begin developing practical mechanisms for dialogue, coordination and cooperation while respecting the identities and structures of individual parties.

The group urged all participating leaders to approach the gathering with open minds and in good faith, saying that difficult conversations and competing political ambitions were natural features of democratic politics.

“There will be disagreements, competing ambitions and difficult conversations. These are natural in politics. But none should prevent us from recognising the greater danger of allowing our differences to deny Nigerians a credible alternative,” it said.

According to the G100, the summit should not be viewed as a contest to determine winners and losers among opposition parties, but as the beginning of a process aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.

“Tomorrow is not about declaring winners or losers within the opposition. It is about beginning the work of ensuring that Nigerian democracy wins,” the group said.

The G100 further urged opposition leaders to focus on the millions of Nigerians whose aspirations, it said, go beyond the fortunes of any individual politician or political party.

“Alone, each opposition party can make its case. Together, the opposition can change the course of the country,” the statement added.

As political leaders converge on the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja for the summit, the G100 said history had presented the opposition with an opportunity to demonstrate political maturity and collective responsibility.

The group urged the parties not to allow differences to undermine the prospects of building a stronger and more credible democratic alternative for Nigerians.

“History has presented the opposition with an opportunity. We must be wise enough not to waste it,” the G100 said.