The All Progressives Congress (APC) has launched a scathing attack on the newly formed opposition coalition, the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), dismissing it as a desperate gathering of self-serving politicians seeking relevance. The APC’s National Vice Chairman (South-East), Dr Ijeoma Arodiogbu, characterized the coalition, which includes prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, and ex-Transport Minister Rotimi Amaechi, as a “jamboree of strange bedfellows” united by personal ambition rather than a genuine concern for the nation’s welfare. Arodiogbu argued that these politicians, having been rejected by their previous parties, are now attempting to regroup and seize power through a new platform, offering nothing new to the Nigerian people.
The APC’s spokesperson further questioned the motives of the coalition’s key players, particularly Atiku Abubakar. Arodiogbu suggested that Atiku’s apparent hesitation to fully commit to the ADA stems from a fear of being sidelined within the new party and losing his chance at the presidency. He portrayed Atiku as clinging to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), a party with existing structures, as a safety net, highlighting his apprehension about aligning completely with El-Rufai and Amaechi. This perceived indecision, according to Arodiogbu, reveals Atiku’s overriding personal ambition and lack of genuine commitment to the coalition’s purported goals.
Furthermore, the APC ridiculed the notion that the ADA could pose a serious challenge to President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Arodiogbu dismissed the idea as not only laughable but also an insult to the intelligence of Nigerians. He argued that Tinubu inherited a severely damaged system and that the current economic hardships are a necessary consequence of the reforms being implemented to fix the economy. He framed these difficulties as the “pain of necessary surgery” rather than a reflection of political failure, emphasizing that Tinubu’s decisive actions have prevented a complete economic collapse.
The APC also took aim at other prominent figures within the ADA, including El-Rufai and Amaechi. Arodiogbu criticized El-Rufai’s past rhetoric and actions, labeling him as divisive, and accused Amaechi of political opportunism and deception. He questioned what these individuals could possibly offer Nigerians, emphasizing their perceived lack of credibility and suggesting that the public has not forgotten their past actions. This line of attack seeks to paint the ADA as a collection of discredited politicians who are attempting to exploit public discontent without offering any viable solutions.
Addressing the possibility of Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate in the previous election, joining the ADA, Arodiogbu dismissed the notion outright. He described Obi as another politician confined to a narrow comfort zone, suggesting that Obi recognizes the Labour Party as his only viable platform. Arodiogbu portrayed both Atiku and Obi as cautious politicians who feign a desire for change while simultaneously avoiding real competition. This characterization aims to undermine their credibility and portray them as self-serving rather than genuine agents of change.
In conclusion, the APC’s response to the formation of the ADA is one of complete dismissal and derision. They portray the coalition as a desperate attempt by a group of self-interested politicians to regain relevance after being rejected by their former parties. The APC highlights the perceived lack of a clear vision or ideology within the ADA, emphasizing the personal ambitions of its key players, particularly Atiku Abubakar. They argue that the coalition is attempting to capitalize on public discontent without offering any real alternatives and that Nigerians will see through their charade. By framing the ADA as a collection of recycled faces and failed ideas, the APC seeks to neutralize any potential threat the new coalition might pose to their hold on power.
