Some prominent Nigerians have come together to float a new political party, Rescue Nigeria Project (RNP).
RNP founders include former Kwara governor Ahmed Abdulfatai, Prof. Pat Utomi, Prof. Tunde Adeniran, former Cross River governor Donald Duke and former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega.
Others include Senator Lee Maeba, Usman Bugaje, Amb. Nkoyo Toyo, Yomi Awoniyi, Dr. Rose Idi Danladi, Dr. Sadiq Gombe among others.
The founders say RNP will serve as a “third force” that can challenge the dominance of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Delivering his keynote address, Abdulfatai lamented the state of the nation, noting that the high level of nepotism and lack of inclusiveness has given rise to agitations by different ethnic groups.
He recalled that in 2015, Nigerians embraced change, adding that today, “that change appears to be what we didn’t expect, as insecurity has taken over the nation.”
“It is based on this that we decided to set up this Rescue Nigeria Project,” he said. “We want to salvage this country and see how we can fix the mess. We want to set a template and key criteria leaders must have before they can attain any political position.
“Despite the great opportunities of the past, Nigeria has failed to live up to the dreams of its founding fathers and the hopes of successive generations of its citizens.
“Perhaps, at no other time have these failings become more apparent than in the past decade or so.
“In 2015, Nigerians overwhelmingly embraced the promise of change. These hopes have not only been dashed, but they have arguably turned out to be the worst political statements ever to be made in this country. Nigeria today appears set to fulfil all the prophesies of doom.”
He further noted that “Unprecedented nepotism and political exclusion have left the country more divided than ever as evident in the various separatist agitation that is threatening the corporate existence of the country itself.”