On Wednesday, seven opposition political groups forged a new coalition to strengthen democracy in the country.
The Coalition of Concerned Political Parties was formed in Abuja following a meeting of political party leaders at the Social Democratic Party’s (SDP) National Secretariat.
The coalition consisted of 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).
According to reports, when hosting a delegation of the Inter-party Advisory Council (IPAC) in November, PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar expressed concerns about the country becoming a one-state party, urging the opposition to recognize the necessity for unity.
While expressing concern over the country’s level of insecurity, the coalition urged Nigeria’s judiciary to safeguard democracy and rid itself of political and governmental influence.
“We looked into the issue of the judiciary. If the judiciary still exists, it is the common man’s last hope.
“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 judgements that can stand the test of time. They should not allow us politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity, and capacity to deliver judgements that are internationally sound and can be recognised.”
The SDP chairman, on the other hand, stated that the coalition is not in favour of a merger and is opposed to IPAC.
Speaking during the meeting, the PDP’s acting national secretary, Setonji Koshoedo, who spoke on behalf of the party’s acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, emphasised that the coalition will provide a strong opposition.
Chief Ralph Nwosu, national chairman of ADC, stated that the coalition’s goal is to “strengthen our democracy,” stressing that government officials have been seen attempting to stiffen viable opposition.