A consortium of seven opposition political parties came together on Wednesday, aiming to fortify democratic principles within the nation.
This collaborative effort, named the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties, was established during a meeting held at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party in Abuja, attended by leaders from each participating political entity.
The coalition is composed of the following political parties: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party.
Reports reveal that during a gathering with a delegation from the Inter-party Advisory Council in November, Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, voiced concerns about the potential emergence of a single-party dominance in the country. He urged the opposition to recognize the imperative need for unity.
Expressing apprehension about the nation’s current state of instability, the coalition called upon the judiciary to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing the importance of shielding it from political and executive interference.
Addressing the purpose of the coalition, Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the SDP, remarked, “We examined the issue of the judiciary, which is the last hope of the common man if it remains resolute. We are troubled by the heightened instability in the country, as evidenced by recent events in Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau states. It is clear that the judiciary must exercise utmost caution in its decisions.”
Gabam continued, “The judiciary should reinforce its commitment to delivering judgments that withstand the test of time. Politicians should not be allowed to compromise their integrity, sanity, and ability to deliver internationally recognized judgments.”
However, the SDP Chairman clarified that the coalition does not advocate for a merger and is not opposed to the Inter-Party Advisory Council.
Setonji Koshoedo, the acting National Secretary of the PDP, emphasized at the meeting that the coalition aims to provide a robust opposition. Meanwhile, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the National Chairman of the ADC, stated that the coalition’s objective is to fortify democracy, counteracting attempts by those in power to stifle a viable opposition.
