Some opposition parties’ members‑elect to the House of Representatives have pledged to work together to protect democracy in the 10th National Assembly. At a meeting on Tuesday night in the Transcorp Hilton Hotel, they affirmed their commitment to a strong alliance for the upcoming term. The lawmakers include members elected on the platforms of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), All Progressive Grand Alliance (APGA), Young Progressive Alliance, Action Democratic Congress, and Social Democratic Party.
The coalition adopted the slogan “Greater Majority,” reflecting the fact that, as it stands, the total number of opposition members‑elect (165) exceeds that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which holds 162 seats in the lower chamber. Although about 57 seats will be contested in the rescheduled Independent National Electoral Commission supplementary elections slated for April 15, the opposition believes it will become the majority for the first time in the House’s history. Rep. Beni Lar (PDP‑Plateau), a serving member who was re‑elected, said, “With commitment from members‑elect, we can protect our democratic values. Each of us has a role to play. We shall remain focused, act as a vibrant opposition, define our interests, and bring about good leadership.”
Mr. George Ozodinobi, LP member‑elect from Anambra, added that the alliance would yield mutual benefits and create a formidable opposition in the 10th Assembly. “We believe this will attract mutual benefit and will not in any way compromise our belief as members of the LP. Our character and integrity shall define us,” he said.
A former House member and now NNPP member‑elect from Kano, Mr. Abdulmumini Jibrin, emphasized the need to protect the nation’s democracy. “The reason we have come together tonight is to protect our ideals; the minority must check the ruling party. We must continue the way we started today, doing our best while safeguarding individual ideals and ideology,” he stated.
Mr. Pascal Abudike, APGA member‑elect from Anambra, urged his colleagues to act as each other’s “brother’s keeper.” He noted, “We are a greater majority among minorities, representing seven political parties. We must bond together to achieve our goals. We have the numbers to negotiate and obtain the resources we need. Let us set personal interests aside and demand proper, equitable distribution of positions. The togetherness we are experiencing from the PDP has never been witnessed before.”
According to the Nigerian Associated Press (NAN), the new 10th Assembly will be inaugurated shortly after May 29, when President‑elect Sen. Bola Tinubu is sworn in. Of the 360 seats in the House of Representatives, the APC currently holds 162 and needs 181 members to command a majority and unilaterally determine the speaker. To reach that number, the APC must win an additional 33 seats in the April 15 election. As it stands, the opposition parties have secured 165 seats, strengthening the minority’s position if they remain united.
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