Emerging indicators suggest that the coalition formed by some opposition politicians under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is a feeble imitation of the APC merger, crafted as a political power grab with no clear roadmap for socioeconomic revival, KEHINDE OLATUNJI reports.
It is all about politics after all. But it was a move that sent shockwaves through Nigeria’s political landscape, especially within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The new opposition coalition that assembled on the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) brought together familiar faces from across the country’s fractious political structures.
The timing of the collaboration made the development hardly coincidental, particularly coming as it did amid a perfect storm of economic hardship and insecurity that has left millions of Nigerians struggling to make ends meet.
As hunger and fear grip the citizens, the opposition hurried to seize on the opportunity to coalesce around a shared platform, in a determined effort to capitalise on the widespread discontent to snatch political power from the ruling APC.
The coalition comprises notable actors, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, former Senate President David Mark, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Rivers State governor, Rotimi Amaechi.
But, as the dust settles, another rises in the form of intra-party disagreement, to compound the nagging question hanging in the air: can this motley crew of veteran politicians truly deliver the change Nigerians clamour for? Amid that concern, there is also a tiny murmur of worry, wondering whether the men and women are just recycling old rhetoric and tired ideologies that have denuded the country of resources and sustainable development strategies.
At the heart of the criticism is the perception that the same individuals, who have been part of the country’s governance structure for years, including some who served in former President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration, are now claiming to be the solution to the country’s problems.
Critics argue that this is a case of “same old people, same ideologies”, with many of those involved being described as political jobbers who are primarily motivated by a desire to regain power and influence rather than a genuine commitment to bringing about positive change.
This popular perception is fueled by the fact that some of the coalition’s key members have been part of the system they now claim to oppose, with some even having served in governmental positions under previous administrations.
Nigerians continue as if this coalition, with the noise that attends its coming, can truly bring about the kind of change that Nigeria so desperately needs, or if it is simply a case of old wine in new bottles.
While the coalition’s leaders may have a track record of governance and experience, their decision to come together now, after being out of power, raises suspicions about their motivations.
Some pundits have described the coalition as an attempt by these individuals to regroup and rebrand themselves in a bid to regain relevance and power.
If this is the case, it is unlikely that they will be able to bring about the kind of meaningful change that Nigeria needs. On the other hand, if the coalition is genuinely committed to reform and is willing to put aside the parochial political interests of its members for the greater good, it may be able to make a positive impact.
Rehash of a tainted strategy
Interestingly, this is not the first time ADC has been adopted as a coalition platform to challenge an incumbent president. In 2018, former President Olusegun Obasanjo’s Coalition for Nigeria Movement (CNM) adopted the ADC to challenge President Buhari in the 2019 general elections. However, the fusion lasted only about three months, and the coalition ultimately failed to unseat Buhari, who went on to win his second term.
Speaking, a renowned economist, Dr. Ayoade Balogun, believes that a viable opposition is crucial for Nigeria’s democratic growth. “The coalition’s formation is a welcome development, as it will provide a platform for alternative voices to be heard and ensure the government is held accountable,” he says.
However, he notes that the coalition’s composition raises questions about its credibility, given the involvement of experienced politicians who’ve previously held power.
According to Dr. Ayoade, the coalition’s success will depend on its ability to articulate a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future and hold the government accountable. “If they can do that, they might just earn the trust of the Nigerian people,” he says. He stressed the importance of a strong opposition in a democracy, citing its role in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability.
Dr Ayoade also stressed the need for the coalition to demonstrate a clear understanding of Nigeria’s challenges and propose practical solutions. “Nigerians are tired of rhetoric; they want tangible results,” he notes. “The coalition must show that it’s committed to putting Nigeria’s interests above personal or partisan interests.” By doing so, the coalition can build trust with the Nigerian people and establish itself as a credible alternative to the current government.
Further, Dr Ayoade stresses that the coalition’s ability to work together cohesively will be crucial to its success. “If the coalition can put aside their differences and work towards a common goal, they might be able to achieve great things,” he said. Ultimately, Dr. Ayoade believes that a strong and viable opposition can play a critical role in shaping Nigeria’s future and promoting democratic growth.
Also, a political scientist, Dr Emeka Nwankwo, is sceptical about the coalition’s intentions. “It’s an insult to Nigerians’ intelligence that the same old politicians who have contributed to the country’s current challenges are now claiming they want to bring about positive change,” he argues.
“Their track record speaks for itself, and it’s hard to see how they can credibly position themselves as agents of change.” He questions whether these politicians can genuinely bring about the kind of transformation Nigeria needs, or if they’re just trying to regain power for personal gain.
Sharing similar concern, a governance expert, Austin Okolo, stated: “The fact that these politicians have been part of the system they’re now opposing raises questions about their motivations.
“Can they truly bring about the kind of transformation Nigeria needs, or are they just trying to regain power for personal gain? She emphasises the need for the coalition to demonstrate a clear break from the past and articulate a compelling vision for Nigeria’s future.
But an erstwhile aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, in a statement tagged: ‘ADC Coalition And Their Military Era ‘Telephone Is Not For The Poor’ Mentality, said: “David Mark is 77 years old, and Rauf Aregbesola is 68.
“And these are the people who will lead the new coalition party. Can you, as a Nigerian youth, have any hope in such a gerontocratic party, headed by a man who inspired the headline, ‘Telephones Are Not For The Poor’, and another, who as Osun Governor caused religious crisis in his state by forcing Christian Missionary schools to merge with schools they had no affiliation with, which led to religious violence in Osun?
“What is their purpose for coming together? They have stated it clearly. It is not to make telephones affordable for the poor, but to simply take power from President Bola Tinubu.”
On her part, socio-political activist, Aisha Yesufu, who is a supporter of the coalition and a staunch ally of Peter Obi, however, urged its leaders to ensure meaningful inclusion of youths and women in policymaking roles.
Yesufu had observed: “Dear Coalition (ADC), women leader and youth leader positions cannot be what is reserved for women and youths.
“You see this table full of older generation men, cannot be the only ones allowed to make the decision as we go on! “Women and youths must be in the midst of decision-making and not as an afterthought in the form of tokenism.”
She urged active participation from young Nigerians and women, stressing the importance of numbers and fresh ideas, saying: “Dear women and youths, this is the time for the numbers. “You have to be heard loud and clear. Join! Be part of the leadership! Be part of the delegates. Be part of the floor members. Overwhelm for good! Bring in ideas from out of the box.”
However, given the scepticism that trails the coalition’s leaders, it will be an uphill battle to win over hearts and minds. However, if the coalition can demonstrate a genuine commitment to reform and a willingness to listen to and engage with the needs and concerns of ordinary Nigerians, it may be possible for them to build trust and credibility with the public.
In the coalition crowd are such figures as former Governors Nasir El-Rufai (Kaduna), Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers), Gabriel Suswam (Benue), Abdulfattah Ahmed (Kwara), Aminu Waziri Tambuwal (Sokoto), Oserheimen Osunbor (Edo), Celestine Omehia (Rivers), Liyel Imoke (Cross River), Window Jibrilla (Adamawa), Emeka Ihedioha (Imo), Capt. Idris Wada (Kogi), former deputy governor of Ondo State, Agboola Ajayi; former Ekiti Deputy Governor Kolapo Olushola and Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Simon Achuba.
Others include a former National Chairman of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, Victor Umeh; former PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus; Labour Party’s 2023 Vice Presidential candidate, Datti Baba-Ahmed; former APC National Chairman, John Odigie-Oyegun; and former Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar.
Also noticeable are a former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami, and former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, Senator Dino Melaye, former Youth Minister Solomon Dalung, media mogul Dele Momodu, Senators Enyinnaya Abaribe, Suleiman Nazif, Lee Maeba, Kashim Imam, former Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar, Senator Ishaku Abbo; former National Vice Chairman, Northwest, of the APC, Salihu Lukman; the Senator representing the Federal Capital Territory, Ireti Kingibe; and an activist, Aisha Yesufu.
