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On Power, Principle, and the People: My Thoughts on the Opposition Coalition, by Sunny Ibeh Jn
On the sidelines, I have observed with rapt attention the brewing political moves and repositioning in view of Nigeria’s 2027 presidential election. Over the past few months, there has been a slew of defections and dramatic political migrations into the All Progressives Congress (APC). First, it was the Governor of Delta State, Right Honourable Sheriff Oborevwori. Then, Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State followed suit. This excludes the defections of opposition lawmakers done in droves into ruling APC. Evidently, the “Jagaban effect” seems both palpable and binding across terrains and territories.
I have never doubted the political brilliance of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Not for one day. Our differences lie in his competence as a democratic leader of grit and value. The president is exactly who he thinks he is when it comes to strategic politicking. And I give it to him. However, when it comes to accountable and transformative leadership, he remains far from the ideal he projects.
It is no news that every effort and strategy currently in play is aimed at the 2027 general elections and rightly so!
In what appears to be a major political twist, just few days ago, key opposition figures from various political parties adopted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as the official opposition coalition party to challenge the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), currently led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Prominent leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Rotimi Amaechi, Rauf Aregbesola, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Emeka Ihedioha gathered at the Yar’Adua Centre Abuja, for the official unveiling.
The last time Nigeria witnessed a political realignment of this magnitude was in 2013, when the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) formed a merger. That coalition posed a formidable challenge to then-President Goodluck Jonathan and ultimately seized power in 2015 with the emergence of Muhammadu Buhari.
A Credible Alternative and Nigerian Masses
I applaud the courage, resilience, and burning desire behind the formation of the emerging opposition coalition. An effort to give Nigeria the reliable and worthy opposition it currently lacks. Quite frankly, Nigeria under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has resembled a dying patient on dialysis. Suffering, enduring hardship, and drowning in despair. Most Nigerians share the same fate, much like the persona in Kofi Awoonor’s Songs of Sorrow: dejected, battered by harsh economic policies, and clothed in frustration and pain.
This raises the question of redemption. If not to completely eradicate the suffering, can we at least mitigate the pain and ease the rising fear of incertitude? How formidable is this coalition? How reliable? Is it yet another gathering of aggrieved politicians, or a conscience-driven, value-based alternative truly committed to the people? Here lies the issues. And this goes beyond politics and the desire to capture power.
As an activist and social crusader, I strongly support the idea of an opposition coalition. At the moment, Nigeria lacks a viable and vibrant opposition political party. Regardless of your political leaning or whether you support President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, this development should be welcomed and applauded in the spirit of democratic health, provided that the masses are factored into its primary composition and objectives.
History and Pro-people Coalitions
History offers relevant examples from Africa and beyond where opposition coalitions triumphed, reflecting the will of the people and correcting years of maladministration. Where there is sincerity, the people prevail. It is often said that an idea whose time has come cannot be stopped, and if interlaced with genuine desire, sincere intent, and pro-people considerations, then this emerging coalition may well be a new bride worth giving a chance. I hold firm in the resonating words of Napoleon Bonaparte, which says: “Impossibility is nothing.”
In Kenya, example, the National Rainbow Coalition led by Mwai Kibaki defeated Uhuru Kenyatta of the ruling KANU in 2002, ending decades of dominance. In Malaysia, Pakatan Harapan under Dr. Mahathir Mohamad unseated Najib Razak in 2018, breaking Barisan Nasional’s 61 year rule. Sri Lanka’s 2015 election saw Maithripala Sirisena, backed by the United National Front for Good Governance, defeat Mahinda Rajapaksa. In Zambia, the UPND Alliance led by Hakainde Hichilema ousted President Edgar Lungu in 2021. And in Ukraine, the Orange Revolution overturned a rigged election, leading to Viktor Yushchenko replacing Viktor Yanukovych in 2004.
These are outstanding examples of how opposition coalitions have triumphed against the odds. Nigerians deserve far more than they are currently getting as dividends from our constitutional democracy. However, more than just forming a coalition, what truly inspires hope is the readiness of key political figures to sacrifice personal ambitions for a common good by rallying behind the most credible candidate with the highest potential for public support.
The coalition should be seen as a coalescing point of altruistic tendencies and desires aimed at resuscitating the deplorable state of affairs that has exasperated Nigerians. It should represent a masterstroke for real and sustainable leadership metamorphosis.
A Word of Caution
President Tinubu is a political beast whose defeat cannot be achieved on a platter of gold. He is that gladiator who would rather die than lose a battle where he has an upper hand, especially with the full paraphernalia of statehood conveniently at his disposal. Make no mistake likening him to former President Goodluck Jonathan as that would be a careless own goal and brutal miscalculation on the side of the opposition.
Finally, the goal must not merely be to unseat President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and capture power to placate personal political desires and score political points. Rather, the ultimate goal should be to present Nigerians with a credible, unifying alternative that would translate into a leadership that truly prioritizes the people and inspires hope and patriotism for both the proletariat and the bourgeoisie.
In the end, may Nigeria win. May the masses triumph.
Sunny Ibeh Jnr
Journalist; Media and Communication Executive
Abuja, Nigeria
Editor.meridianspy@gmail.com
