In advance of a planned conference to improve collaboration prior to the 2027 general elections, the G100 has begun conversations with leaders of six opposition political groups.
Leaders of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), and Social Democratic Party (SDP), according to the group, conducted conversations with its delegates.
The G100 said that national chairmen, presidential candidates, and running mates of the impacted parties were participated in the engagements in a statement released on Monday by Salihu Lukman.
The consultations came after the G100 published an open letter on August 2 to Nigerians, civil society organizations, and opposition leaders outlining what it called the Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition.
The group claimed that due to the delicate nature of the conversations, it purposefully held the interactions away from the media.
“In recognition of the sensitivity of many of the discussions and the need to allow party leaders to engage frankly and constructively without the pressure of premature public commentary, we have purposefully kept these consultations away from the glare of the media,” the statement stated.
The organization stated that maintaining the integrity of the discussions was more crucial than making every meeting public.
The G100 characterized the interactions thus far as open, helpful, and motivating.
Discussions with the major parties, according to the group, revealed a growing understanding that opposition forces needed to cooperate more before the 2027 elections.
It further stated that party leaders recognized the need for sacrifice and compromise in order to create a strong opposition.
According to the statement, “the leaders we have engaged have also acknowledged that achieving a credible and effective opposition will require sacrifice, compromise, and a willingness to place the larger interests of the country above narrow partisan or individual considerations.”
The G100 noted that while the convergence of opinions was welcome, goodwill needed to be transformed into a practical framework.
The group declared that plans were in motion for a Summit of Opposition Parties that will take place in Abuja on Tuesday, August 18.
The G100 claims that the summit will give the involved parties a formal forum to talk about potential ways to achieve greater unity.
The organization connected the initiative to the Ibadan Declaration’s tenets, especially the suggestion that opposition parties create a credible plan for providing a cohesive and competitive alternative in 2027.
The opposition parties would not be subject to any specific arrangement, according to the G100.
It defined its function as fostering communication, establishing trust, and establishing a setting where the participants could talk about collaboration and accommodation.
The statement stated, “The G100 does not presume to dictate the outcome of these conversations.”
“It is our responsibility to promote communication, foster trust, and assist in establishing the circumstances necessary for the participating political parties to candidly discuss the challenging issues of collaboration, compromise, accommodation, and group action.”
According to the group, any framework that is ultimately established must prioritize the interests of Nigerians while acknowledging the legitimate interests of the involved parties.
The organization stated that it was finalizing plans for the August 18 summit in collaboration with the parties’ representatives.
It argued that sustainable political cooperation needed to be negotiated and embraced by all parties rather than being forced.
The G100 also restated its claim that if voters had access to a reliable opposition candidate, Nigeria’s democracy would be more robust.
“Fragmentation among those seeking to provide that alternative serves neither the opposition nor the Nigerian people at this critical moment in our national journey,” the statement stated.
The organization stated that increased opposition unity will take patience, bravery, and sacrifice and characterized the conversations held over the last week as a first step.
