Seven opposition political parties joined forces to create a new coalition aimed at fortifying the democratic fabric of the country.
The alliance, named the “Coalition of Concerned Political Parties,” officially emerged during a meeting held at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Abuja.
The coalition comprises the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement (PAM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP). Leaders of these parties congregated to discuss and solidify their commitment to fostering a united front against perceived threats to the nation’s democratic principles.
The catalyst for this coalition can be traced back to concerns raised by the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, during a meeting with the Inter-party Advisory Council in November. At that time, Abubakar expressed apprehension about the nation veering towards a one-party state, stressing the imperative for opposition unity.
The Coalition of Concerned Political Parties voiced its unease regarding the current state of instability in the country. Emphasizing the pivotal role of the judiciary, the coalition called upon the judicial system to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and insulate itself from political and executive interference.
Obasanjo Advocates Rethinking Western Liberal Democracy in Africa
Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the SDP, highlighted the coalition’s focus on the judiciary as the last bastion of hope for the common man. Gabam clarified that the coalition’s formation is not intended as a merger and does not stand in opposition to the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
“We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through. If you look at recent developments in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau states, it is very clear that the judiciary must exercise extreme caution with some of its decisions.
“The judiciary should strengthen their conviction towards delivering judgments that can stand the test of time. They should not allow we politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity, and capacity to deliver judgments that are internationally sound and can be recognised.”
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, asserted that the coalition is poised to provide a robust opposition force.
Meanwhile, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the national chairman of the ADC, underscored the coalition’s primary objective as strengthening democracy in the face of perceived attempts to suppress a vibrant opposition.