On Wednesday, December 7, seven opposition political parties joined forces to establish a new coalition aimed at fortifying democracy in the nation.
The Coalition of Concerned Political Parties was officially formed during a meeting held at the national secretariat of the Social Democratic Party in Abuja.
Comprising the Peoples Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party, the coalition emerged in response to concerns raised by PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar in November.
At the Inter-party Advisory Council meeting, Atiku highlighted the risk of Nigeria becoming a one-party state and stressed the importance of opposition parties uniting to safeguard democracy.
Expressing profound concern over the escalating instability in Nigeria, the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties called upon the country’s judicial system to serve as a guardian of democracy. Shehu Gabam, the national chairman of the SDP, explained that the coalition focused on the judiciary as the last hope for the common man.
Gabam clarified that the coalition does not seek a merger and is not opposed to the Inter-Party Advisory Council. Setonji Koshoedo, acting National Secretary of the PDP, speaking on behalf of the acting national chairman, Umar Damagum, emphasized that the newly formed coalition would stand as a robust opposition force against the current government.
“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 judgments that can stand the test of time. They should not allow us politicians to infiltrate their rank, sanity, and capacity to deliver judgments that are internationally sound and can be recognised.”
