In a resounding display of solidarity, seven opposition political parties have joined forces to forge a new coalition aimed at fortifying democracy within the nation. This pivotal move, christened the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties, was birthed in Abuja during a momentous meeting convened by the leaders of the involved political entities at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party.
Comprised of the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party, this coalition represents a formidable alliance with a shared vision of charting a new course for the country’s political landscape.
The genesis of this historic collaboration can be traced back to a stirring plea articulated by the PDP’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar. During a gathering with the Inter-party Advisory Council, Abubakar underscored the existential threat posed by a monolithic one-party state, imploring the opposition to unify in the face of this pressing dilemma.
Expressing profound concern over the nation’s precarious state of affairs, the coalition issued a fervent call to action directed at the judicial system. With an impassioned plea to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from political and executive overreach, the coalition implored the judiciary to uphold its commitment to impartiality and independence.
In elucidating the coalition’s core objectives, Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the SDP, emphasized, “We looked into the issue of the judiciary. The judiciary is the last hope of the common man if it still stands. We are worried about the level of instability the country is going through.”
Highlighting recent events in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau states, Gabam underscored the imperative for the judiciary to exercise judicious restraint in its decisions and to fortify its resolve in delivering rulings of unwavering integrity and international repute.
Emphatically clarifying the coalition’s mission, Gabam affirmed that it is not geared towards a merger nor is it antagonistic to the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
Echoing this sentiment, Setonji Koshoedo, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, portrayed the coalition as a fortress of resolute opposition. He conveyed, “The coalition will offer a strong opposition,” reaffirming the unwavering commitment to seeding a robust and unwavering counterforce within the political milieu.
Adding a resonant voice to this narrative, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the national chairman of the ADC, articulated, “The idea behind the coalition is to strengthen our democracy. We have seen that people in government are trying to stiffen viable opposition.”
Through this coalition, a symphony of diverse political voices coalesces, resounding with a clarion call for democracy’s preservation and the amplification of a formidable opposition. In their collective efforts, these parties endeavor to sow the seeds of resilience and unity in safeguarding the nation’s democratic tapestry.
