The G100 has begun engaging key opposition political parties as part of efforts to promote greater cooperation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The group disclosed that it had opened discussions with the leadership of six political parties, including 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 a statement released on Monday by Salihu Lukman on behalf of the G100, the consultations involved senior party officials, including national chairmen, presidential candidates and their running mates.
The meetings followed an open letter issued by the group on August 2 to opposition leaders, civil society organisations and Nigerians. In the letter, the G100 presented what it termed the “Doctrine of Necessary Democratic Opposition” as part of its proposed approach to strengthening democratic opposition in the country.
The organisation explained that it intentionally kept the meetings away from public attention because of the sensitive nature of the issues being discussed.
It said maintaining a private environment was necessary to enable political leaders to speak openly, exchange ideas and consider possible areas of cooperation without being influenced by public pressure or premature reactions.
The G100 described the discussions held so far as positive, productive and encouraging. It said the engagements revealed increasing awareness among opposition leaders that greater collaboration would be necessary if they were to mount a strong challenge ahead of the 2027 elections.
The group noted that the party leaders also recognised that achieving meaningful cooperation would involve difficult decisions, including compromise, personal sacrifices and placing national interests ahead of individual or party ambitions.
However, the G100 stressed that agreement in principle would not be enough, adding that the emerging goodwill must be transformed into a practical and acceptable framework for cooperation.
As part of the process, the group announced that a Summit of Opposition Parties would take place on Tuesday, August 18, in Abuja.
The summit is expected to provide a platform for the participating parties to formally examine possible strategies for improving coordination and building a stronger opposition ahead of 2027.
The G100 said the initiative was guided by the principles outlined in the Ibadan Declaration, particularly the call for opposition parties to develop a realistic route towards presenting Nigerians with a united and competitive political alternative.
The group clarified that it was not seeking to determine the outcome of the discussions or impose any political arrangement on the parties.
Instead, it said its responsibility was to encourage dialogue, strengthen trust and provide an avenue for the parties to openly discuss issues such as cooperation, compromise and collective political action.
The organisation further maintained that any agreement reached must respect the interests of each participating party while ensuring that the broader interests of Nigerians remain the priority.
The G100 said preparations for the August 18 summit were ongoing in consultation with representatives of the various parties.
It emphasised that lasting political cooperation could only succeed if it emerged from negotiations and received the collective acceptance of the parties involved.
The group also reiterated its belief that Nigeria’s democracy would benefit from the emergence of a credible and effective opposition capable of offering voters a strong alternative.
It warned that continued division among opposition forces could undermine efforts to provide such an alternative.
The G100 described the consultations conducted in the past week as only the beginning of a broader process, stressing that achieving meaningful opposition unity would require patience, determination, compromise and sacrifice from all parties involved.
