As preparations for the 2023 general elections intensified, opposition political groups and other stakeholders regrouped under the National Consultative Front (NCFront) to unseat the All Progressives Congress (APC) from power.
The coalition, made up of politicians, technocrats, and rights activists, said its mission was to reclaim the country from political pillagers and provide Nigerians with a credible alternative.
A merger committee was inaugurated to negotiate with other political parties across the country, while the group vowed to resist any national election without a new people’s constitution, biometric accreditation, electronic voting, and diaspora voting.
Pat Utomi calls for a national rescue mission
Speaking during the virtual inauguration, one of the NCFront conveners, Prof. Pat Utomi, stressed the need to build a Nigeria “our children will be proud of.”
He said the political establishment had failed the nation and must be replaced by a more service-oriented and democratic leadership.
A communiqué signed by NCFront Secretariat Head, Olawale Okuniyi, announced the formation of a 22-member Political Merger Committee headed by former House of Representatives Speaker, Rt. Hon. Ghali Umar Na’aba.
Building an inclusive mega party movement
The committee includes 12 national chairpersons of political parties and nine major political movements and interest groups.
It was tasked with using its inclusivity to bring together platforms, allies, and stakeholders that share NCFront’s vision to rescue Nigeria from “misery and hopelessness” caused by the APC and PDP.
According to NCFront, the merger will create a credible, ideologically driven mega party to address state collapse and prevent looming anarchy.
Tying political reform to constitutional change
NCFront reaffirmed its involvement in the citizen-led constitutional review process spearheaded by Olisa Agbakoba’s People’s Constitution Drafting Committee.
It pledged to mobilise Nigerians to resist any elections conducted without a new constitution guaranteeing biometric accreditation, electronic voting, and diaspora participation.
The group insisted that electoral reforms were necessary to end the dominance of the APC and PDP and create a level playing field for all political actors.
Avoiding the mistakes of 2014
Former FRSC boss, Dr. Olu Agunloye, described the group as being on a rescue mission to secure competent and compassionate leadership for Nigeria.
He cautioned members against repeating the 2014 “anybody but Jonathan” approach, urging them to focus on a clear vision rather than simply opposing the incumbent.
The committee is expected to produce a framework for an alternative party that can challenge the ruling establishment.
Who’s in the merger committee?
Notable figures in the initiative include Prof. Pat Utomi; Dr. Olu Agunloye (SDP National Chairman) – Secretary; Dr. Osagie Obayuwana (Former NCP Chairman); Arch Ezekiel Nya Etok (Former YDP Chairman); High Chief Peter Ameh (Former IPAC and PPA Chairman); and Dr. Tanko Yunusa (NCP National Chairman).
Others are Senator Zainab A. Kure; Rt. Hon. Jumoke Akindele (Former Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly); Comrade Issa Aremu (Labour/LP Leader); Chief Precious Elekima (PLIF National Chairman); Senator Folashade Grace Bent; Dr. Aisha Salihu Lemu (Women Leader); Alhaji Hamisu Santuraki (MPN National Chairman); Comrade Mark Adebayo (KOWA National Chairman); Comrade Seni Ajayi (Socialist Bloc); Barr. Georgina Dakpokpo (YDP National Chairperson); and Hon. Kassim Balarabe Musa (Socialist Movement of Nigeria).
