Heeding the call for a coalition in a letter by former President Olusegun Obasanjo on the state of the nation, a group of Nigerians converged in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Wednesday for the formal launch of Coalition for Nigeria at the Shehu Musa Yar’adua Centre.
Introducing Coalition for Nigeria, the Chairman and former Governor of Osun State, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said, “Our intention is to assist the ordinary Nigerian to take back this country from persons for whom politics is pure business.”
In his letter, Mr. Obasanjo proposes: “We need a Coalition for Nigeria, CN. Such a Movement at this juncture needs not be a political party but one to which all well-meaning Nigerians can belong. That Movement must be a coalition for democracy, good governance, social and economic well-being and progress. Coalition to salvage and redeem our country. You can count me with such a Movement.”
However, Mr. Oyinlola-led movement sought to align with Mr. Obasanjo’s blueprint. He clarified that “We’re not a political party, at least for now” to a resounding applause from the audience.”
“On funding, it’s our belief that this movement will not end up becoming another platform for the abuse of the values of honesty and moderation. Therefore, it’s been agreed that those of us steering it at this formative stage that money to run its affairs should come from the contributions of members at each level.” He added.
A polarised audience took turns to ask questions and make suggestions. One of the critics remarked that Coalition for Nigeria was not a new phenomenon. “There are Revive Nigeria Group, and National Intervention Movement which wants to field Dangiwa Umar and either Donald Duke here or Oby Ezekwesili as presidential candidates. In fact, a new party Abundant Nigeria Renewal Party has already offered to meet Obasanjo over the proposed coalition,” he said.
Another critic countered the organisers that “Forming Coalition for Nigeria seems like legitimising Obasanjo’s political legacy. It’s like following a military order.”
Members of the high-table, which included Donald Duke, former Governor of Cross River State, and Abduljalil Tafawa Balewa, former PDP Presidential aspirant, joined Mr. Oyinlola to respond to questions.
“To say that we are legitimising OBJ’s legacy is a bit off the mark,” said Mr. Oyinlola. “We must concentrate on the message not the messenger.”
Mr. Tafawa-Balewa, who’s co-chairman (North) of the movement, addressed the outrage over the place of the youths in the moment. “What we are doing isn’t leaving the stage for the youths, it’s forming a synergy. When we were youths, we were similarly deceived that we were the leaders of tomorrow. We are old now still trying to be the leaders.”
Mr. Duke offered the how the movement can become a political party. “If we can get the critical mass, then it’s worthy of being a political party.”
Ahamdu Ali kept kept a low profile at the event and did not contribute to the deliberation nor sit on the high-table.
Others seen at the event were Akin Osuntokun, former aide and loyalist of Obasanjo and also Kano lawmaker, Abubakar Danburam.
