By Milcah Tanimu
Seven opposition political parties joined forces on Wednesday, forming a new coalition named the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties. This initiative, aimed at fortifying democracy in Nigeria, was launched during a meeting held at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party in Abuja.
The coalition includes prominent parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party. The move comes as concerns grow about the country’s political stability, prompting opposition leaders to unite in a bid to strengthen democracy.
Expressing apprehension about the nation’s current instability, the coalition called on the judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy and resist political and executive interference. Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party, emphasized the importance of the judiciary as the last hope for the common man.
While addressing the coalition’s purpose, Gabam clarified that it is not intended for a merger and does not oppose the Inter-Party Advisory Council. Setonji Koshoedo, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, affirmed that the coalition aims to provide a robust opposition.
The national chairman of the African Democratic Congress, Chief Ralph Nwosu, explained that the coalition’s objective is to fortify democracy in response to perceived attempts by those in power to stifle viable opposition. The move underscores the opposition’s commitment to unity to address challenges facing Nigeria’s democratic system.
