By Nkechinyere Ewa
The National Coalition Alliance (NCA), a non-partisan political interest group committed to promoting good governance in Nigeria, has formally inaugurated its structure in Ebonyi State, drawing together members of over ten political parties and fifteen political interest groups.
Pastor Ozioma Eze was elected the state chairman of the coalition contrary to a previous media report which claimed that Ozioma Eze was elected chairman of ADC in Ebonyi.
Opoke urged public members to disregard the claim describing the publication as misleading.
Engr. Dr. Opoke Sunday Andrew, the National Coordinator of the coalition and former governorship candidate of the Young Progressives Party (YPP) in Ebonyi State, described the development as a major step toward building political consciousness, civic education, and policy-oriented leadership across the country.
Speaking to journalists in Abakaliki, Dr. Opoke clarified that NCA is not a political party, but a coalition of like-minded individuals and groups committed to training, sensitising, and empowering citizens and political actors across the 36 states.
“We are not here to hijack any political party,” Dr. Opoke emphasised. “NCA is a political interest group, not a political party. Our goal is to support political parties and citizens in building a Nigeria where leadership is anchored on competence, character, capacity, and service.”
Correcting the Record, Dr. Opoke noted a recent misreporting that erroneously referred to NCA as the African Democratic Congress (ADC), stressing that while NCA is working closely with ADC as a case-study partner for good governance initiatives, the two are distinct entities.
“That was a mix-up. We are not ADC, although we have an interest in mobilising support within parties like ADC that demonstrate readiness for reform and accountability,” he said.
Coalition Goals and Strategy, NCA’s mission is centred on five pillars: Capacity building for political aspirants, appointees, and public servants, Civic education and sensitisation of voters, Empowerment of grassroots citizens using tools such as agri-tech and vocational skills, Promotion of competence in governance through structured training, and Mobilisation for policy-driven political participation.
“In countries where systems work like the UK, US, and France, people in leadership positions undergo extensive training and certification,” Dr. Opoke explained. “You don’t just wake up and become a minister or commissioner. Here, we celebrate appointments before even understanding the duties attached.”
He revealed that NCA’s nationwide blueprint includes mandatory leadership training for would-be public servants and appointees to bridge the knowledge gap in governance.
He further explained their empowerment program, saying it is not Patronage.
According to Dr. Opoke, many well-meaning Nigerians are unable to participate in the political process due to illiteracy, lack of information, or financial barriers. NCA, he said, is working to eliminate these hindrances through enlightenment campaigns and targeted empowerment programs.
“Good governance starts with informed citizens. That’s why NCA is investing in grassroots mobilisation and enlightenment,” he added. “We’re even introducing customer service training for public office holders because basic etiquette in governance matters.”
On their Vision Rooted in Principle, Opoke, drawing from his extensive experience in Africa, Europe, and North America, criticised what he called the prevalence of “professional manipulators” in Nigerian politics, individuals who gain office without preparation or purpose.
“Leadership is not about luck or connections. It is about preparation, vision, and competence,” he stressed. “Our coalition exists to make sure the next generation of Nigerian leaders are trained, tested, and ready to serve.”
Dr. Opoke, who holds two PhDs, one in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering and another in Satellite, AI, and Robotics Engineering (ongoing), emphasised that “pseudo-success” in leadership, achieved without preparation, is part of the country’s failure cycle.
A New Path for Ebonyi and Nigeria
With its Ebonyi State structure now in place, the NCA plans to roll out state-wide training, sensitisation, and empowerment activities, particularly in rural areas, where political awareness remains low.
The launch event was attended by political leaders, stakeholders, and members of the public, with many describing it as a historic coalition of interests in pursuit of genuine change.
“We want to see a Nigeria where the child of nobody can become somebody without knowing anybody,” Dr. Opoke concluded. “That is the future NCA is building one state at a time.