Following the leadership crises rocking opposition parties in the country, some of them are said to be already working behind the scene to present a common front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) during the 2027 general elections.
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) was recently hit with a leadership crisis, when a former National Vice Chairman of the party, Nafiu Bala Gombe approached the court to be declared as the National chairman.
Bala who rejected the process that led to the birth of the Senator David Mark leadership denied that he willingly resigned as a member of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party.
The process reached a crisis dimension when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) derecognized the David Mark-led NWC.
Before now, the major opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which has been embroiled in crisis since last year was factionalized into two camps, with one camp loyal to the governors led by Kabiru Tanimu Turaki and the other group loyal to the Federal Capital Territory Minister, Nyesom Wike, led by Abdulrahman Mohammed.
However, following the crisis in the ADC, many of the opposition parties have identified with the leadership, with sources saying that a new coalition might be on the horizon to challenge the ruling APC.
During a meeting between the ADC and the faction of the PDP led by Turaki, the Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde said the meeting was in solidarity with the ADC, but the spokesman of the faction Ini Ememobong told journalists that the meeting was still an ongoing process.
Also in a post after the meeting, Turaki disclosed that the meeting was part of efforts to stand in defense of democratic ideals that transcends party lines.
He also said there is a consensus that democracy must be protected, voices must not be silenced and the space for healthy opposition must remain open and vibrant.
Daily Trust gathered that in the next few days, more opposition parties are likely to come together in solidarity with the ADC.
But addressing journalists after a meeting with the ADC at the weekend, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the National Chairman of PRP, said the visit to Mark was to sympathise with the party over what has been happening in the last few days and “to express our unhappiness in what appears to be the involvement of critical state institutions in the affairs of political parties.”
He said PRP is unhappy over what appears to be interference in the democratic process and the visit was to assure “The ADC that PRP which is founded on the principles of democracy, justice and fairness will stand by any party, not only the ADC but any party that appears to be suffering from assault, unjustified, unverified or purely partisan that will result in crippling the democratic process in the country.”
He said, “We are a party that believes in fair play and justice, this is a multi-party democracy, it must operate as a multi-party democracy. We want free and fair elections in 2027. We cannot have that free and fair elections in 2027, if critical agents of the state intervene and interfere in the affairs of the parties. We are worried that what is happening to the ADC can happen to other parties.
“We have just concluded our convention, we are grateful to God we have not provided opportunity to anybody or an atmosphere where we will be crippled. When we see what is happening to parties like the ADC, we cannot sleep in peace. We will continue to work, so that in 2027, we can give Nigerians options and by the grace of God we will.
“By the same token, we are demanding that all the inhibitions that have been placed before the ADC and other parties that does not represent fair and legal restrictions should be removed.”
Speaking on the coalition, Dr Hakeem said there is a coalition on the ground, “but few parties are willing to step up.”
He added, “We want a transparent process. If the ADC has infringed on the laws of the country, if the ADC has offended any part of the constitution or the laws, we expected them to be treated in accordance to that infringement. We expect a fair and open trial of all their actions.
“We will not say political parties should not be subjected to the laws of the country, but what we will say is that interference that appears to be outside those laws of the land will not be tolerated and we will resist them.
“We believe that other parties should join us to say what is going on is wrong. We will stay with the ADC on this issue. We will support them in any way we can and hopefully other parties will join us.
“Our judiciary is also on test, it is very important that the judiciary does not suggest that it is operating in the interest of the state. We are telling Nigerians not to lose hope because we will certainly fight for this.”
On the allegations against INEC he said, “ INEC will always be on the spotlight and that is why it is absolutely essential for INEC to be above board. INEC is not an institution of the ruling party. It is an institution that should conduct itself in a manner that is transparent and fair. At this stage, all we can say is that INEC is putting itself as if it is a party in the elections and it is not. It conducts elections and can only conduct credible elections if it allows everybody to operate within its roles and regulations.”