On Wednesday, a new coalition of seven opposition political parties was established to fortify democracy in the country. Known as the Coalition of Concerned Political Parties, the movement was inaugurated in Abuja during a meeting attended by leaders of the political parties at the National Secretariat of the Social Democratic Party.

The coalition comprises the People’s Democratic Party, African Democratic Congress, Social Democratic Party, Peoples Allied Movement, New Nigeria Peoples Party, Young Progressives Party, and Zenith Labour Party. This development follows concerns raised by Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate, during a meeting with the Inter-party Advisory Council in November. Atiku expressed apprehension about the country becoming a one-party state, calling for unity among opposition forces.

Expressing unease about the prevailing instability in the country, the coalition urged the judicial system to safeguard Nigeria's democracy and free itself from political and executive interference. Shehu Gabam, the National Chairman of the SDP, emphasized the judiciary's critical role, stating, "The judiciary is the last hope of the common man if it still stands." He called on the judiciary to exercise caution in its decisions, especially in recent developments in states like Zamfara, Nasarawa, Kano, and Plateau.

Gabam stressed that the coalition focuses not on a merger or opposition to the Inter-Party Advisory Council. Speaking on behalf of the PDP, Setonji Koshoedo, the acting national secretary, highlighted that the coalition aims to provide a robust opposition force.

Echoing these sentiments, Chief Ralph Nwosu, the national chairman of the ADC, explained that the coalition seeks to strengthen democracy in the face of attempts to stifle viable opposition by those in government. The coalition emphasizes the importance of a judiciary that delivers internationally recognized judgments free from political influence.