In a significant development within Nigeria’s evolving opposition landscape, the Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has formally thrown its weight behind a strategic partnership with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), calling on members of the Obidient Movement to rally behind the initiative.
In a statement dated January 29, 2025, from the COPDEM National Secretariat and signed by the Chairman of the group’s Board of Trustees (BOT), the pro-democracy organisation described the alliance as a “game-changer” for progressive forces in the country. The endorsement comes amid growing frustration with the Labour Party’s internal challenges and its perceived failure to harness the momentum generated by the Obidient Movement during the 2023 elections.
Mr. D.E. expressed strong support for the partnership, stating that it addresses the urgent need for a structured platform to drive genuine political reform. “We can’t continue to wait for the Labour Party to utilize the influence they gained during the Obidient movement, especially when they’ve shown no regard for their constitution and have taken actions that undermine the democratic process,” the statement read.
The COPDEM BOT Chairman highlighted the establishment of a Directorate for Mobilisation of Civil Societies and Progressive Organisations as a pivotal step. This new structure aims to integrate COPDEM’s extensive grassroots network with ADC’s political framework, fostering a disciplined, results-oriented approach to mobilisation across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Key objectives outlined in the statement include strengthening ADC as the premier platform for progressive forces, ensuring active participation of grassroots and civil society groups in shaping the nation’s future, and promoting issue-based, people-centered governance. The alliance is positioned as a clear alternative to existing political options, with an emphasis on building a formidable opposition capable of delivering real change.
“I advise all well-meaning Nigerians to take advantage of this great opportunity,” Mr. D.E. urged. “By joining forces, we’re creating a powerful platform that will drive real political change and give a voice to the people.”
The statement congratulated the global Obidient community on the development, expressing confidence that the collaboration would reshape Nigeria’s democratic space. “I’m confident that together, we’ll build a truly formidable opposition and create a Nigeria that truly works for its people,” it concluded.
This endorsement aligns with earlier moves by COPDEM, which has signed memoranda of understanding with ADC and other groups to bolster grassroots mobilisation and position the party as a vehicle for opposition unity ahead of future elections. COPDEM, a pro-democracy advocacy group with membership spanning Nigeria and the diaspora, has consistently advocated for electoral integrity, good governance, and protection of democratic values.
The announcement follows ongoing realignments in Nigeria’s opposition circles, where various groups and figures have expressed interest in coalescing around platforms like ADC to challenge the ruling party in upcoming polls. Supporters of the Obidient Movement, inspired by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi’s 2023 campaign, are being encouraged to engage actively in this new direction.
Political observers view the COPDEM-ADC partnership as a boost to efforts aimed at consolidating progressive and civil society forces into a unified front, potentially reshaping the dynamics of Nigerian politics in the years ahead.
