Proposed Coalition for Nigeria launches in Abuja

The coalition is being launched at the Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.

Obasanjo, had, in a letter, called for the formation of the movement.

He had argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party were incapable of repositioning Nigeria, having lost the confidence of the electorate.

Premium Times reports that Obasanjo, who just bagged a PhD degree was not present at the launch in Abuja.

Though Cheif Olusegun Obasanjo was not present at the launch,two former PDP governors, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun state and Donald Duke of Cross River, were, however, said to be in attendance

Oyinlola who said the movement is not yet a political party, noted that, with time and agreement with other stake holders, it could eventually upgrade into a political party.

“We’re not a political party, at least, for now,” he said.

“We recognise the facts that by the dictates of the constitution, you can only contest on the platform of a political party.”

Meanwhile, the Nigeria Intervention Movement (NIM) had commenced a drive to welcome new coalitions, groups, and others to its Third Force initiative just as Chief Olusegun Obasanjo’s own version of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) is to be launched.
 The NIM’s deputy director-general (media and publicity bureau), Mallam Naseer Kura, said his group is ready to welcome new members and groups. In a statement, Kura reportedly said events in recent times had shown the swift and positive response of Nigerians to the philosophy and message of the movement.

“This is underscored by the recent, historic statement by a former president, Olusegun Obasanjo, whose clarion call on like-minded Nigerians from different states and regions of the federation, different religious beliefs and backgrounds, groups of Nigerians from different professional and sectorial leanings should come together to create an environment for the realisation of the citizens’ potentials and aspirations.