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Obasanjo reveals CNM plan for 2019

Published

8 years ago

February 8, 2018

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigeria Movement will not present candidates in the 3019 general elections.

Obasanjo said this Wednesday while receiving a youth group from Delta State led by a governorship aspirant, Frank Esanubi on a courtesy visit at the Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library, Abeokuta, Ogun

He said he convened the movement to make Nigerians appreciate their interests and power, noting that transitions that have taken place in the country since independence neglected the people at the grassroots.

Obasanjo also noted that his letter to President Buhari was not meant to disrespect the office of the president or embarrass the president but to articulate his views about the situation in the country and offer his candid advice.

The CNM was borne on the pages of a 13-page open letter he wrote Buhari weeks ago, criticising most of the APC government policies and appointment. The former president then advocated for a third force that serve as a stronger alternative to both the PDP and APC he described as wobbling.

Obasanjo insisted that CNM would remain a socio-political movement, and he would cease to be a member if the coalition becomes partisan.

“In the year 2015, I said I would no longer participate in partisan politics. And I still stand by my decision. Everybody, irrespective of his or her political affiliation is free to come here for advice, I will gladly do that.

“I have no candidate, whatsoever, for any political office. I just believe that things must be done differently in Nigeria to get different result,” Obasanjo said.

“If the system and the platform sync, I believe Nigeria will get there. And like I said, the moment the coalition gets involved in candidate sponsoring or participates in partisan politics, I will opt out of it,” Obasanjo stated.

Tne CNM was launched last week, attracting old and new politicians within the two major parties all of whom are his former and present loyalists.

The coloration of the movement has made many Nigerians believe the former president is bidding for power indirectly.