We are not a political party, we don’t choose polls candidates — The 2022 Committee of 100  

As political campaigns and mobilization and re-alignment gather momentum ahead of 2023 polls, an elite group — the 2022 Committee — comprising 100 leading business, political, civil society and thought leaders across Nigeria has restated its non-partisanship and spurned attempts to link the Committee with candidates or political parties for the elections.

Describing such attempts as an unwarranted and unnecessary distraction, the Committee pointed out that candidates are chosen by political parties and not by a group or associations.

A statement given to Persecondnews said: 

“Whilst The 2022 Committee is interested in the quality of leadership that will emerge in Nigeria at all levels, we consider attempts to link the Committee with candidates or political parties for the 2023 elections as an unwarranted and unnecessary distraction – candidates are only chosen by political parties and we are not a political party.

“All the 100 leading lights of the 2022 Committee have the capacity for national leadership; indeed, amongst the very active participants in the work of the Committee are over 7 persons, from 3 or more political parties, who have already publicly declared their aspiration to lead the country but are desirous of working with other patriots for non-partisan greater national goals.

“We must have a secure, peaceful and united nation before we can have candidates for political offices.’’

The statement was signed for and on behalf of the conveners by Kashim Ibrahim Imam, politician and one-time PDP governorship candidate in Borno State and Nduka Obaigbena, media mogul and founder of ThisDay and ARISE TV.

The 100 leading business, political, civil society and thought leaders had met in Lagos last weekend (February 4-6, 2022) under the aegis of The 2022 Committee in a non-partisan retreat to map a new consensus for national rebirth.

Attendees included 14 current Governors and 13 former Governors as well as three former Senate Presidents. Working in 3 Sub-Committees of National Security, The Economy and Nigeria in Transition, the participants recognized that there is an urgent need to seek common ground and irreducible minimum actions to stabilize the polity at this critical time of transition.

According to the statement, the meetings will continue as we work with Federal and State Governments, current and future political leaders of all political persuasions, as well as other eminent patriotic citizens, for the greater good of the Nigerian people.

“The Committee believes that what Nigeria needs today is for all patriots to come together to rescue our nation from all political, economic and security threats, and promote the unity of Nigeria.

“We call on all patriotic volunteers, who are willing and able, to join this collective effort to stabilise the system so we can all build a new Nigeria we can all be proud of. Thank you.’’