Opposition Coalition Faces Internal Strife: Nigeria’s Political Landscape in Flux.
In a desperate move to form a unified force against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), seven prominent opposition parties in Nigeria have find themselves tangled in an internal conflicts. This is putting the creation of the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties (CCPP) at risk.
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The leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Social Democratic Party (SDP), Peoples Allied Movement (PAM), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Young Progressives Party (YPP), and Zenith Labour Party (ZLP) on December 7, 2023, gathered at the SDP’s headquarters in Abuja. Their aim was to establish a coalition with the overarching goal of fortifying democracy through a robust opposition to the APC. However, internal disputes now pose significant challenges to the coalition’s formation.
However, cracks in the coalition became apparent as some party leaders lacked the full authorization to participate. The PDP, although reportedly represented by acting National Secretary Setonji Koshoedo, distanced itself from the alliance. PDP spokesman Debo Ologunagba emphasized the party’s unawareness and non-involvement in merger talks.
Similar disavowals came from the NNPP, with factional disputes emerging within the party. The factional National Working Committee, in a statement, denied discussing coalition formation. Yet, conflicting statements from within the NNPP revealed internal strife, questioning the legitimacy of those endorsing the coalition.
Even the SDP, where the coalition was initiated, faced internal dissent. A faction of the party disowned the CCPP, describing it as a ploy to undermine the government.
Notably absent from the coalition list was the Labour Party (LP), a significant opposition force. LP spokesman Obiora Ifoh clarified that the party intends to stand alone but remains open to discussions on electoral reforms.
Willy Ezugwu, Secretary-General of the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties, expressed skepticism about the coalition’s success, citing inadequate consultation among involved parties. While a united opposition front is theoretically favorable, he raised concerns about political allegiances being swayed by financial incentives from the ruling party.
The NNPP acting National Chairman, Agbo Major, emphasized the need for genuine democrats to lead any coalition, highlighting the untested nature of this political arrangement in Nigeria.
As the opposition grapples with internal conflicts, the success of the CCPP remains uncertain. The political landscape in Nigeria appears to be in flux, with questions arising about the feasibility and effectiveness of a united opposition against the APC.
