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From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A group opposition politician, on the aegis of G-100, has charged African Democratic Congress (ADC) 2027 presidential candidate, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, and his Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) counter, Peter Obi, as well as other key opposition figures to forge a common front for the 2027 general election.
The group, which include former All Progressives Congress (APC) former National Vice Chairman, Salihu Mohammed Lukman; Ibrahim Maddibo, Ladan Salihu, Sergius Ogun, among others, in an open letter to leaders of opposition, leaders of thought, civil society and Nigerians of good conscience, stated that a united Opposition is required to defeat the ruling APC.
Consequently, the group, in the letter, which called for “The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition” implored all the key opposition figures to put the national interest above personal ambition.
The group while stating that Nigeria is not working, noted that a country endowed with abundance has become used to scarcity, with the young inheriting uncertainty rather than opportunity, while families work harder but get little. It noted that amid the national crisis, the ruling party is growing stronger, while the opposition, which is supposed to provide an alternative for the peoples is divided by ambition.
“While the people seek leadership, too many leaders pursue personal ambition. This is not merely the failure of political parties; it is the weakening of democracy itself. It is for this reason that we raise the urgency and imperative of a Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition. The Doctrine of a Necessary Democratic Opposition rests upon a simple truth: no democracy can remain free unless those who govern are matched by those who are capable of replacing them. History bears witness to this truth,” they stated .
The G-100 added “We therefore address ourselves to every leader of the democratic opposition, especially those whose decisions will shape the future of 2027, including Senator David Mark, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Peter Obi, Governor Seyi Makinde, Senator Bala Mohammed, Senator Seriake Dickson, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alh. Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, Mr. Donald Duke, Prof. Sadiq Umar Abubakar Gombe, Prince Adewole Adebayo and all other opposition leaders in the country and every Nigerian leader entrusted with national influence.
“We therefore call upon the leaders of the opposition to come together, to negotiate in earnest how the 2027 election shall be prosecuted as a united front. Let that negotiation be anchored on the principles of building a cohesive single opposition candidate and a common purpose, a common programme, a common strategy, and a common resolve to save Nigeria.”
Furthermore, they stated that “the hour is too grave for scattered ambition and private calculation. Nigeria cannot be rescued by opposition leaders who march separately toward the same defeat. They must first agree on the country they seek to rebuild and the reforms they are prepared to defend.
The group stated that it shall convene a National Council of Opposition Leaders, where every presidential candidate’s ambition shall be x-rayed, and from there work towards adopting a single presidential candidate for the opposition in the 2027 general election.
