It has finally happened. Like a prophesy, the speculated merger of opposition parties finally came to pass today when 10 state governors from the four major opposition parties brought their heads under one roof to endorse the proposed merger of ANPP, CPC, APGA and ACN.
Gov. Rochas Okorocha representing APGA joined his colleagues from Borno, Gov. Kashim Shettima,Gov Abdul-Aziz Yari of Zamfara of ANPP, Gov. Tanko Al-Makura of Nasarawa State (CPC) and Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (ANPP).
Also, Gov. Babatunde Fashola (Lagos State), Gov. Raufu Aregbesola (Osun), Gov.Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Gov. Kayode Fayemi ( Ekiti) and Gov. Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo State), from the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN).
The event took place at the Lagos State Government House.
While these 10 Governors join forces with Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (CPC) and his inlaw to be, Alhaji Bola Tinubu (ACN), 26 state governors from the PDP party stand proudly behind Pres.Goodluck Jonathan.
STAY TUNED
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62 comments
Uch Martins via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
politicians are so selfish, none of them can be trusted, no wonder rochas did not utter a word about the killing of igbos in the north, he will soon destroy his political carrier like jonathan. fingers crossed
Ohanyerenwa Ben via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
the only thing I did not like about it is Buhari vowing to be another president of Nigeria
Okey Obike via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Same people, different tactics. Now, the story begins!
Bright Hienulo via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
We need strong political opposition against Jonathan, he had failed. Although the same old wine in new bottle but Jonathan whom nigerians thought is new had failed woefully. Even those that called themselves new had failed as Governors. I hope this merger shall bring hope to nigerians. I don’t care who is ruling as far as he is working for the benefits all nigerians not few cronies and self pocket. Its time for Igbos to negotiate for their good cause not kicking themselves away with bad belle antagonism.
Ariguzo Davidson Chima Ohaneze via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Forces of light or darkness, lets watch and see.
Anthony Bonie via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Rochas among is what I dnt accept, he has been the man after my own heart but sorry to say his decision is error. North and west can’t be trusted in all aspect. Dey are igbo haters and rochas backing dem up woun’t help issue what he should be doing now is building strong APGA to gain more state come 2015 dan thinking of merging de only standing party we de easterners are proud of. Abeg oo my governor don’t be selfish cos u have been performing well
Ucheh Okory via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Rochas joining Buhari? …Buhari?! Can someone remind Owele that when something walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, IT IS A DUCK, folks.
Chu'ma Anagbado via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
First the alliance and then the forces for good will take over the platform. A welcome development.
Ikem Nwosu via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Hmmmmm! I am still expecting the right one and it would not come among humans.
Aniche Ugochukwu via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Let pple understand,that Rochas is an Individual not a party.If he says know to Apga merger,then is PDP a better option.Let,s watch with our fingers crossed.
Essell Chuks Charles via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Its a welcome idea & it will make Nigerian politics to have credibility. Kudos to you all progressives.
Anthony Odiraa Felix via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
hahaha,’the performing governor of Imo state’ showing his true hausa colours. 1st he sold Imo hospitals into slavery for 15 yrs to his mallam brother,then he came into alliance with the killer of the Igbos – Gowon and now he is in the same sack with buhari-the man who hates the igbos most. the most eccentric ethno and religious bigot that ever lived. is this how Rochas wants to realise presidential ambitions?
Alimi Tunde via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
@anthony bonie,y ar u xoo egocentric.We nid possible change n nufin mor
Donaldson Nwadiukwu via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
So from which zone will their presidential candidate emerge from?
SirVictor Enogwe via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Anoda victory 4 pdp. See how this ppl are playing with us. What a suspense in deed. Months and weeks to elections u’l see break aways that will end up strengthening PDP’s aim. Na the same people.
Godwin Kizito Ezeji via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Glory be to God finally it has come to pass Pdp can now leak their own wound.i am happy.up progressives.
Chinagorom Christopher via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
thats the end of pdp in Nig. its a welcomed development. for the proposed merger to have taken place, that means Oga Jona and pdp going going gone
Anthony Odiraa Felix via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
@alimi son,you mean that buhari is also an agent of change? you think that am egocentric? i believe that you are naive and delusional. bt lets see how the real egomaniacs can pilot this ship across the troubled waters called Nigerian politics.
Godwin Kizito Ezeji via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Buhari can give nigeria quality leadership.PDP HAS to be stoped.for more than 10 yrs now wht hv they achieved?guys wake up.Any body even Rochas can be d flag bearer.
Anthony Nwoko via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
So many people are blind.I mean so many people are blind.Especially some Imo citizen and some Igbo’s.
Plz those that are in support of this merger more especially the Igbo’s should plz check all the 8, their political profile’s and see if they are Chosen by the God d creator to bring change.
I still say it that some Igbo’s are big fools and sick.
Buhari wants to b a leader and promise president Jonathan that he will make his government ungorvernable,and some are happy dat our dear brother Rochas joined that fool buhari to form a force.Same also to Borno state governor Shettima that haboured boko haram groups in borno government house that killed so many Igbo’s in the north still our brother Rochas joined them,still some big Igbo fools are happy with it.This is funny.
The same Tinubu came out during Ondo state gubernatorial campaign last year to say that he gave Gov mimiko $1 million dollars to join ACN but Mimiko rejects the offer and won under LABOUR PARTY,where did Tinubu got dat money from?
I STILL BELIEVE THAT THE ALMIGHTY GOD WILL PROVE TO THEM THAT THEY ARE ALL LOSERS ONE DAY.GOOD MORNING ALL
David Ifeanyi via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Rochas and co.. Politicians r al d same..
Anyanwu Iheanacho via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Rochas is d surprise Presidential Flag bearer Of this Mega Alliance with Fashola as running mate. Dont say i no tell U.
Anthony Nwoko via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
They are weaklers.
Chinenye Stephen via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
guy let me say somtin.if u stil want to breath fresh air in nigeria.dont ever vote 4 buhari.igbos should wake up.i dey beg una.rochas is a gud man trained by aboki thats y he is joncin with them.notherners always find falt and apear to be gud but they are more corupt than the igbos,anytin they giv u check wel there is bomb or poison in it caus naturaly they dont hav peace of mind.check al arab nations in the whole world no peace among them war every where always trying to dominate.igbos wake up and believe in urself becaus we are the best thats y everybody is talkin about us.
Andrew Uzoma Isiomah via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
As long as the do not ever try to bring out Gen Buhari(rtd) or person like Elrufai as merger presidential candidate then pdp would definitely be out. Buhari, Tinubu, and insolent Elrufai must not be taken as flag bearer else people/pdp will floor them.
Chinenye Stephen via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
let me say somtin that always anoy som people.president goodluck jonathan is the best democratic president amõng others in nigeria.most of us are stil blind and naive abt what is going on.he knows how to break the wings of corupt men.he cant wipe coruption straight away cause its not simple as many people tink.al past leader are corupt and naija aset is in their hands he can only try.problem in nigeria is house of assembly and judiciary.if they wake up naija wil make sence
Theo Anyanwu via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
God bless Nigeria! One day good leaders will lead Nigerians,lets pray good prayers for the country at large.
Gift Chukwuemeka via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
@Anthony: you didnt add Fashola with his anti-people policies in Lagos. He tells people who complain about his policies to go back to their village.
Chinagorom Christopher via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
thats a welcome development. a new dawn coming into the country.
Chinagorom Christopher via CP says:
Feb 5, 2013
Rochas is the answer. Nigeria must be better
Eze Mbata via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Rochas have not stated his mission in igboland n 9ja at large, let me ask, is he d founder of APGA, does he no where n when APGA came 2 stand, ok y PETER OBI not included. I have always said dis time witout numba, Rochas is not a real igbo man. All i know come 2015 is either 9ja divide or GEJ wil stil remain in power cos he is stil d best among dem 2 rule dis useless country n i pray we just parted ways by nxt yr. 9ja not a place 2 live.
Peterclaver Ibe via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
“I do not want Buhai”
chuma Chibuike says:
Feb 6, 2013
For the love of Christ Jesus! Rochas,why? Rochas,why??. Rochas has indeed demonstrated his hate to all Igbo and christians. Why must it be these crop of men,who is perceived as anti-christians and Ndigbo. Some of you commenting on this issue doesn’t know doom that will befall us if the success ed. Had it been Ojukwu is alive,he wouldn’t had sold the only Igbo party to Hausa’s and Yaroba’s.Goodluck Jonathan,do nt worry 99.999999% of Igbos are strongly behind you.
Kingsley Chisom Ukeoma via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
If only our leaders will plan d country far ahead as dey do plan for their elections Nigeria will b gr8…imagine wen dey started planning for 2015 election y most of the newly constructed roads by the incumbent governors ar damages already…b wise
Emeka Gift via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
I support if only they will support Rochas as president,,,if not count me out
Chima Anyanwu via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
our politics is a ”laugh”; na laugh i dey laugh ooo.
Chimamkpam Umunna via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
eze mbata may God have mercy on you…..u dissapoint the igbo nation…learn to chanel ur greviancies right….
Kennedy Chima via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
http://saharareporters.com/article/let-us-rescue-imo-state-subeb-first-rosemary-e-m
Ezirim Uzodinma via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Hahahahahaha…i laugh. So that means APGA has finally been abandoned,since there was no Umeh,Peter Obi,etc. Rochas onye awusa, always jumping from one party to another,firstly it was ANPP,then to his own AA,then back to PDP,then to APGA,and now the “progressive merger” to fight those who attended his daughters multi million naira jamboree called wedding,including obj,sambo dasuki,etc. This rochas is confused as a person…methinks that since APGA is the only igbo party in the east,he will keep calm and rebuild it to a national platform but all we see from this ashawo nwoke party is jumping from one party to another? Na so im go take rule 9ja- i strongly doubt…even he dressed like an almajiri to that merger event in lagos…hahahahaha…i laugh because PDP will definitely flaw the so called “progressives” again and again,and again. Marriage of strange bed fellows- mark my words it can never never and i repeat never work!
Ezirim Uzodinma via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Hahahahahaha…i laugh. So that means APGA has finally been abandoned,since there was no Umeh,Peter Obi,etc. Rochas onye awusa, always jumping from one party to another,firstly it was ANPP,then to his own AA,then back to PDP,then to APGA,and now the “progressive merger” to fight those who attended his daughters multi million naira jamboree called wedding,including obj,sambo dasuki,etc. This rochas is confused as a person…methinks that since APGA is the only igbo party in the east,he will keep calm and rebuild it to a national platform but all we see from this ashawo nwoke party is jumping from one party to another? Na so im go take rule 9ja- i strongly doubt…even he dressed like an almajiri to that merger event in lagos…hahahahaha…i laugh because PDP will definitely flaw the so called “progressives” again and again,and again. Marriage of strange bed fellows- mark my words it can never never and i repeat never work!
Xtiano Chris via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
I have a dream that one day gud leaders wil lead Nigeria.ple wit vision,focous and have the intrest of who they re leading @ heart,God bless Nigeria..
Onuoha Ubi Anita via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Rochas is a real gambler always playin to d gallery.i kip sayiny it dos of u dreaming dt he ll b a president shld better go n get a gud tight rope to hang cos it ll neva happen.his is an antichrist dts wz put in place to bring imo state down.Efcc is waiting for him.ibori s case ll b alot better dan his.
Prince Emecheta Ify via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Pls ALMIGHTY GOD interven and rescue d poor masses!our leaders want 2 turn us 2 slaves by waking-up evry mornin n do whatever comes 2 their mind.SOS LORD!
Daniel Uzoigwe via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
imo state blog, u pple shud allow man to concetrate. U’re all just PDP’s, allow him to do d good work ohakim cud not do for four yrs, we no una very well.
Anthony Nwoko via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
HEAVY CHESS PLAYERS.
How can some one call Rochas the chosen one here?
They will soon fail because they are all noise makers wit selfish mindset.
Watch wat will happen by 2014 ending,
Buhari will like to contest,Rochas will like to contest,fashola will like to contest,Tinubu will even like to contest,and also the remaining Aboki governors will like to contest.None will bow for the other,then confusion follows.
Boko haram members.
I do say it that GOD WILL FIGHT FOR HIS PEOPLE AMEN.IF NONE OF THEM HAS SPILL BLOOD THE WILL WIN BUT IF THEY HAVE THEY WILL PERISH AND FIGHT EACH OTHER.AME
Chibuike Lawrence via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Ebe onye si eri ka ona awachi,stop criticizing owele he is a God sent to imo .
Keno says:
Feb 6, 2013
Well Well Well, It looks like the chicken has finally come home to roost.
They need an errand boy who will deliver the gullible igbo voters and who best to approach than a confused person.
Is Governor Oi not APGA, why has he not joined them?
An Igbo man joining forces with Igbo haters and Igbo killers and the praise singers still celebrating.
Confused people indeed
Austin Nnaji via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
D fact is dat ppl dnt understand politics. Dis is d best dat can happen 2 nigerian politics nw. Y do u think goverments r not performing? PDP is killing ds nation,no hope or future 4 d Nigerian youth. D national treasury is used as PDP’s private purse,results r annonced b4 elections r concluded,no checks on d executive by d legislature yet ppl r still against opposition merger? U guys shld realise dat if not for d intervention of the catholic church,nobody
In imo wld have succeded in getting imo out of ohakim’s cage.Ds merger ll encourage healthy competions among different party goverments knowing dat d other major opposition cld take advntage of their non performance in d next election just like in America. Buhari is not d only 1 capable of being d presidential candidate in d merger and I bliv s a new party,they ll field d most acceptable candidates especially pple who hav d stuff but cld not b afforded d oppotunity in PDP bcos they r not in d carcus lik d case of owelle in APGA. U guys think twice!
Anthony Nwoko via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
@Austin,both Rochas and Ohakim are the two living Ikiri’s.They are the same people playing the same role with ur mind not me or any wise persons mind in Imo state.
Is it Governor shettima of Borno that harbour boko haram members in the Govt house is good?
Or is it Buhari and co that warned Presdo Jonathan that they will make his govt ungorvernable cos he loose last election u believe?
Then @Austin answer this question,if u call Rochas ur governor a saint,why is he dining with these corrupt men that are selfish and wicked that even their northern brothers have disowned?
That is to tell u that even Rochas ur Brother will betray u one day.
BUT GOD PASS THEM.
Austin Chukwuma Onuoha via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
It is indisputable that GEJ is doing his best considering the myrids of controversies shrouding this nation, but the prevalence of a strong opposition will keep any ruling party on their toes; hence, forcing them to do more for the people in order to retain power. Challenges make ur stronger and better people even when we dont notice it.
Dominic Chigbo via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
@Onuaha U. A., pul him down syndrm is a disease.
Chinagorom Christopher via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Most people are still sceptic about God’s visit to Nigeria. for this merger to have finally taken place, it means that God is about to do a new thing in our country Nig. but for ur information, Owelle is the answer.
Iroegbulem Michael via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
Something is about to happen !
Chinagorom Christopher via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
opposition the beauty of our democracy
Uzoma Destiny Mbaoma via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
I dnt see any oppositn in d meger party evn if thre are 5 Buharies or 5 fashola or even Rochases in dat party wit greedy fellows of muslem sort. I respect only Tinubu amongst thm.
Dike Elele via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
This is “Pure madness” – very soon each group will struggle to outwit the others. Na laugh I de laugh oh!
Emmarai Eze via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
D coming together of baptised thieves
Uche Ekenma via CP says:
Feb 6, 2013
merger or no merger northerns will not rule this country again…
Ikechukwu Innocent Mgbeoji via CP says:
Feb 7, 2013
This Patch-patch Apc party will soon leak frm all d 4 angles.so Nigeria is to good to be given to a patched party.d devil we know is better than d angel we dont know.
duke says:
Feb 7, 2013
I must say i donot like this merger at all. Not good for rochas for the igbos and for nigeria,this people are not trust worthy and will ruin nigeria but i sense lysis prior to 2015.
Pedus says:
Feb 9, 2013
While this merger will not solve Nigeria’s perennial problems, it is indeed a welcome development. There is no way ACN, ANPP, APGA, CPC or any party in Nigeria could win the presidency alone. This common sense approach no doubt sends a very strong signal to PDP to either improve the lot of Nigerians or be voted out. In all advanced countries, the opposition party always holds the ruling party to account on all public policy matters. In the United States, the Democrats are always held to account by the Republicans; in Britain and Australia, conservative Liberal Party and Labour often trade spaces at the government house based on good governance and how the public perceives the stewardship of the parties. Without strong opposition in Nigeria, PDP would undoubtedly rule Nigeria as long as the entity exists. And no one should criticise Okorocha for joining forces with other opposition parties because this is a credible approach to holding PDP to account and exposing poor governance across the board.