From Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
A group of opposition politicians, G-100, has charged the 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 and Sergius Ogun, among others, in an open letter to leaders of the 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 had 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 people, 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.
“When military rule sought permanence, courageous patriots gathered as the G34 and reminded the nation that no government, however powerful, is greater than the democratic will of the people. Years later, when constitutional uncertainty threatened the Republic during the prolonged absence of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, those who supported the doctrine of necessity placed the Constitution above political convenience,” 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 remind them that history has little regard for frustrated ambition. It reserves its highest honour for those who place country above self. The question before them is not who most desires to lead Nigeria. The question is who is prepared to preserve the democratic conditions under which Nigeria may yet be redeemed.
“Too much of our politics has become the pursuit of personal ambition rather than national purpose. Too many leaders appear determined to secure their place on the ballot without first securing the unity required to make that ballot meaningful.
“Ambition is not a crime. Every free society depends on ambitious men and women. But ambition ceases to be a virtue the moment it places itself above the Republic. No citizen possesses a natural right to leadership. Leadership is not inherited or demanded. It must be earned and it must always remain subject to the judgment of the people.
“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 towards the same defeat. They must first agree on the country they seek to rebuild and the reforms they are prepared to defend. Personal ambition must submit to national necessity, for a people divided at the moment of decision will remain governed by those who profit from that division.
“A nation cannot be united by leaders who refuse first to unite themselves. To civil society, we say that your duty has never been more necessary. Liberty is seldom lost in one dramatic moment; it is surrendered little by little whenever good citizens grow weary of defending it.”
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.
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<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
