With just one day to the First Summit of Nigeria’s Opposition Political Parties, the G100 has called on all opposition parties, their leaders, candidates and members to approach Monday’s historic gathering with one fundamental understanding: we are stronger together than we are apart.
This appeal was made in a statement signed by Salihu Moh. Lukman, on behalf of G100.
Lukman said, “Tomorrow’s Summit comes at an important moment for Nigeria’s democracy. Across the country, millions of Nigerians are looking to the opposition not merely to criticise the government of the day, but to demonstrate the maturity, discipline and sense of national purpose required to offer a credible alternative.
“The G100 recognises that every political party has its own history, identity, ambitions and legitimate interests. Cooperation does not require any party to surrender these. Nor does it require political leaders to abandon their 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 experience of elections in Nigeria and elsewhere has repeatedly demonstrated that a divided opposition often strengthens the incumbent. When parties competing for the same broad constituency fragment their energies, resources and votes, they risk turning their differences into an unintended advantage for those they seek to replace.
“Division is a choice. Cooperation must now become a strategy,” the Group said.
Emphasising the need for cooperation amongst key parties, the G100 highlighted that the summit is an opportunity for key leaders to build a framework for cooperation.
“Tomorrow’s Summit provides an opportunity to begin building practical mechanisms for dialogue, coordination and cooperation, while respecting the identities and structures of participating parties.
“The G100 therefore appeals to every participating party and leader to come to the table in good faith, with an open mind and with the larger interests of Nigeria at heart.
“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.
“Tomorrow is not about declaring winners or losers within the opposition. It is about beginning the work of ensuring that Nigerian democracy wins.
“Alone, each opposition party can make its case. Together, the opposition can change the course of the country.
“As we gather tomorrow at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, the G100 urges every opposition leader to remember the millions of Nigerians whose hopes extend beyond the fortunes of any single party or politician.
History has presented the opposition with an opportunity. We must be wise enough not to waste it,” the group said.
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