Oyinlola, Duke launch Obasanjo's group in Abuja

Former Osun State governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and former Cross River State governor, Donald Duke, were present at the launching of the Coalition for Nigeria proposed by former president, Olusegun Obasanjo,

According to a report by Premium Times, the launching of the movement is taking placing at the Yar'Adua Centre, Abuja, with the notable absence of Obasanjo himself.

According to Oyinlola, the group is not yet a political party as it only wants to create a platform for Nigerians to break away from the status quo.

He said, "We're not a political party, at least, for now. We recognise the facts that by the dictates of the Constitution, you can only contest on the platform of a political party."

He also denied that the group is an attempt to legitimise the legacy of Obasanjo, saying that the allegation is "a bit off the mark."

The former Osun governor reassured that the old guard in the coalition will serve in a laid-back role while young Nigerians are allowed free rein to advance it.

"What we are trying to do is like a guardian angel, it is you that must decide who is to do what and at what level. That is why we are having this meeting today and putting it back to you," he said.

This was also reinforced by Duke who insisted that the younger generation needs mentorship to improve the fortunes of the country.

He said, "What they are doing is seeking office not implementing a thought. But we also aware that a new generation is at the vanguard of taking over and why our own generation is stepping back as Governor Oyinlola said. The new vanguard will lead but we step back and perhaps guide and share our experiences which may serve as guide to the new generation.

"We hope this clarion call will resonate throughout the length and breadth of our nation and we hope everybody in this hall and those of you streaming live will be party to this movement."

What is Coalition for Nigeria?

In a statement issued by Obasanjo on January 23, 2018, titled, "The Way Out: A Clarion Call for Coalition for Nigeria Movement", he pointed out major failings of the Buhari administration and urged him to not consider reelection in 2019.

He also expressed his lost hope in the ability of the ruling All Progressives' Congress (APC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in providing Nigeria with the initiative it needs to progress.

The former president's solution to being free of the dominance of both parties was what he called the Coalition for Nigeria movement.

According to him, the coalition will be a movement of all well-meaning Nigerians that will engage in democratic practices that will drive Nigeria forward and be a source of hope for all Nigerians for speedy, quality and equal development, security, unity, prosperity and progress.

He said, "Coalition for Nigeria must be a Movement to break new ground in building a united country, a socially cohesive and moderately prosperous society with equity, equality of opportunity, justice and a dynamic and progressive economy that is self-reliant and takes active part in global division of labour and international decision-making.

"The Movement must work out the path of development and the trajectory of development in speed, quality and equality in the short, medium, and long-term for Nigeria on the basis of sustainability, stability, predictability, credibility, security, cooperation and prosperity with diminishing inequality.

"What is called for is love, commitment and interest in our country, not in self, friends and kinship alone but particularly love, compassion and interest in the poor, underprivileged and downtrodden.

"It is our human duty and responsibility so to do. Failure to do this will amount to a sin against God and a crime against humanity."

Despite his backing for the group, the former president has also made it known that he'll cease to be a part of the movement the minute it becomes a political platform that sponsors candidates for elections.