ABUJA/Nigeria: Donald Duke, a former governor of Cross River State and one of the leaders of the Coalition for Nigeria has debunked reports that the newly-formed political movement would benefit President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019.
The former governor speaking during the formal launching of the Coalition for Nigeria Movement at Yar’Adua Centre, Abuja said the group would not favour Buhari.
Mr. Duke’s comment was aimed at countering claims that the group might end up achieving the opposite of what it was founded to do.
Speaking on criticisms that the group, which was yet to be formally registered as a political party, would play a spoiler role in 2019 elections for other opposition parties.
Donald Duke said “It is not a spoiler. We’re not here to help anybody.
“The coalition’s anger is directed more at the incumbent than any other political force in the country.”
“In fact, we’re here to express our frustration. We’re all frustrated people,” the governor said.
The former president in a lengthy and critical public statement on Tuesday, January 23 suggested the formation of the movement and advised Buhari against seeking a second term in office.
The former President, had said in his public letter that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were incapable of repositioning Nigeria.
The political parties have lost the confidence of the electorate.
Meanwhile, barring any unforeseen circumstance, former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is billed to launch his much-touted Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CMN), Ogun State Chapter at the Ogun State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, Oke-Ilewo Abeokuta on Thursday.
Olusegun Obasanjo The notice of the launch was communicated through Obasanjo’s media aide, Kehinde Akinyemi. Akinyemi said Obasanjo would be at NUJ secretariat for the launch and as well as welcome prospective members . His words,” the Registration of members for the Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CMN), Ogun State chapter begins tomorrow, Thursday, February 1, 2018.
“It will hold at the lwe -Irohin House,Press Centre, Oke Ilewo Abeokuta. From 10am. Special Guest and Chief Convener, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.” Akinyemi announced
The media aide also noted that the Registration is free.
It would be recalled that the former President had warned President Muhammadu Buhari not to seek for a re election pointing at flaws in his administration.
