The summit, organized by the G-100 group, emphasizes the necessity of cooperation among fragmented opposition factions, which could otherwise enable the incumbent to maintain power despite public discontent.
The G-100, led by Salihu Lukman, expressed that although the participating parties come with distinct histories and ambitions, they must prioritize collaboration over divisions to present a credible alternative to the ruling government. In a statement encouraging unity, the group asserted that a divided opposition historically strengthens incumbents, urging the parties to transform their differences into shared goals.
SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Rufus Aiyenigba, confirmed their joining the initiative and highlighted the urgent need for collaboration among like-minded political groups. The SDP’s presidential candidate, Prince Adewole Adebayo, will attend the summit, aligning the party with the national rescue movement. The PRP also confirmed its participation, though they offered no further information.
In contrast, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) distanced itself from the summit, stating they were unaware of it and had no intention of engaging in discussions with other parties outside their structure. This decision was communicated by Jungudo Mohammed, spokesperson for PDP’s National Caretaker Committee, indicating that any discussion excluding the PDP was futile.
Despite the differing stances, the G-100 reiterated their intention to foster avenues for dialogue and cooperation without forcing parties to sacrifice their identities or ambitions. They admonished attendees to approach discussions with goodwill and focus on the overarching interests of Nigeria, acknowledging the complexity of political negotiations but prioritizing the need for a united opposition.
The summit comes amid anticipation of the 2027 elections, where President Tinubu aims for re-election. Discussions around a consensus candidate are ongoing, yet disagreements regarding party structures and individual ambitions pose significant challenges. The G-100’s appeal seeks to translate calls for unity into concrete collaborations that could fulfill the demands of Nigerians yearning for alternatives to the ruling party, stressing the historical opportunity for opposition leaders to consolidate their efforts for effective governance.
