According to Africa Research Bulletin, the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) was formed on 15 May 1994, however the location of the group was not identified (24 Jan. 1995, 11714).

In June 1994 Agence France Presse (AFP) described NADECO as consisting of "many prominent Nigerians, including former government ministers and state governors, retired military figures and rights activists" (1 June 1994). Africa Research Bulletin stated that NADECO "is a broad front campaigning for the military to yield power to civilians under Moshood Abiola, presumed winner of 1993's annulled election" (25 July 1994, 11461). This source identified the following people as leading members of the coalition: Anthony Enaharo, Commodore Ebutu Ukiwe, Michael Ajasin, Balarabe Musa, Group Captain Jonah David Jang, Rear Admiral Godwin Ndubuisi Kanu and Shafi Lawal Edu, and Oyo Opadokun is identified as secretary and spokesman for the coalition (ibid.). In addition, the source also stated that "former senators, state governors, members of the House of Representatives and state legislatures participate in NADECO (ibid.). Africa Confidential included Colonel Yohanna Madaki, and "academics and professionals" Bolaji Akinyemi and Alao Aka Bashorun in its list of NADECO members (20 May 1994, 8). For additional information on these figures and others please consult the excerpts from Africa Research Bulletin of 25 July 1994 and Africa Confidential of 17 June 1994 that are attached to this Response.

Shortly after NADECO was founded, AFP reported that the coalition had rejected the use of the military to restore democracy to Nigeria (21 June 1994). Instead the coalition was seeking to form an alliance of individuals representing the Nigerian political spectrum to pressure the military government to cede power to Abiola (Africa Research Bulletin 25 July 1994, 11461). AFP also reported that NADECO had supported calls for civil disobedience by the opposition group Campaign for Democracy (CD) (9 June 1994). AFP also quoted NADECO national secretary, Ayo Opadokun, as saying that the coalition "was not planning to overthrow the Abacha regime or organize violent demonstrations against it" (10 June 1994).

AFP also reported that the University of Ilorin and two other Nigerian universities were closed by the university authorities "in the face of mounting tension" (ibid.). However, Radio Nigeria reported that the university had been closed following a peaceful demonstration by students demanding an improvement of campus services (9 June 1994).

According to several sources, the government considered NADECO illegal soon after it was created, but AFP also reported that members of the coalition had been invited to talk with government representatives (AFP 21 July 1994; Radio Nigeria 1 June 1994; Voice of Nigeria 1 June 1994; ibid. 6 June 1994; West Africa 20-26 June 1994, 1086-87).

Various sources also reported that members of NADECO were either arrested or detained for questioning by Nigerian authorities in June 1994 (Voice of Nigeria 6 June 1994; Africa Confidential 17 June 1994, 2; West Africa 20-26 June 1994, 1087-88). By 1995 several leading members of NADECO had fled the country (Africa Confidential 23 June 1995, 3; Africa Research Bulletin 23 Feb. 1995, 11715).

Africa Confidential reported in June 1995 that NADECO still wanted to conclude a "negotiated resolution to the crisis" (23 June 1995, 3). But New African reported in January 1995 that one of Nigeria's leading human rights activists, Gani Fawehimini, considered NADECO's activities, which had included strike action, as being "too soft" (32).

Also in 1995 treason charges against three former state governors accused of forming "an illegal political association" namely NADECO, were withdrawn by Nigerian authorities (Voice of Nigeria 10 Feb. 1995). However "influential" NADECO members were sought by government authorities seeking to prevent any observance of the second anniversary of the June 1993 election (Africa No. 1 Radio 19 May 1995; Africa Research Bulletin 20 June 1995, 11849).

In October 1995 New African reported that the military government had invited NADECO leaders to meet with General Sani Abacha, the country's latest military ruler, in August 1995 in order to divide the opposition (20).

For additional information on NADECO activities, and treatment of members by the authorities, please consult the attached documents.

Information on whether NADECO issues membership cards or organizes university chapters could not found among the sources consulted by the DIRB.

This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.

Africa Confidential [Oxford]. 23 June 1995. Vol. 36, No. 13. "Nigeria: By Any Means Necessary."
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. 20 May 1994. Vol. 35, No. 10. "Nigeria: Edging Out Abacha."