A new political group, Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM), was on Wednesday unveiled in Abuja.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the move may not be unconnected to the call by former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s charge on the need for a Coalition for Nigeria.
Acting Chairman of CNM, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, who spoke at the unveiling, described the coalition as a movement to salvage Nigeria.
Oyinlola, a former governor of Osun State, said that CNM remains a movement and not a political party unless members agree to transform it into a party.
He said that the movement came into being in response to Obasanjo’s call for the emergence of a Coalition to help rescue the country from bad administration.
Oyinlola was also the former Secretary of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), before defecting to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
He said that the movement would provide equal platform for all Nigerians, especially women and youths.
The former governor added that the movement would be led by the youth, while the elders would only play the role of a guide.
Oyinlola faulted the allegation that the movement was carrying out Obasanjo’s agenda to install a new leadership for the country.
“To say that we are legitimising Obasanjo’s legacies is a beat off the mark.
“There is no one who can fault the issues raised in Obasanjo’s letter. Forget the messenger, let’s discuss the message.
“What he has done is to stir us from our slumber to the reality of what is happening in Nigeria to take charge and take action.
“Are there no other leaders sitting around and watching how things are going?
“I think we should give some kudos to him for being able to address Nigerians on the ills of the society which requires attention.”
When asked whether he had resigned his membership of the APC, Oyinlola said the issue did not arise since CNM was a movement and not yet a political party.
He, however, said that he was not tied down to any political party.
Former Governor of Cross River State, Donald Duke, also spoke at the ceremony and described the formation of the movement as timely.
Duke stressed the need for Nigerians to come together and chat the way forward for the country.
He said the country was not going to get better except Nigerians come together to change the narrative and the situation.
Buba Galadima, a member of APC, said that the movement was being formed to rescue the country from disintegration.
On the possibility that President Muhammadu Buhari may be seeking re-election, Galadima said Nigerians would only support his bid if there was concrete evidence that he had performed well.
