Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), has vehemently criticized the nascent political coalition being formed by prominent figures like former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, characterizing it as an opportunistic alliance devoid of genuine commitment to change. Sowore’s critique centers on the perceived lack of credibility of the individuals involved, many of whom were key players in the All Progressives Congress (APC) government, the very administration they now ostensibly oppose. He argues that their motives are driven by self-interest and a desire to regain power rather than a genuine concern for the welfare of Nigerians. He likened the proposed coalition to a “union of prisoners,” suggesting that some of the figures involved should be held accountable for their actions during their time in government. This skepticism underscores a broader distrust of political maneuvering within Nigeria’s political landscape.
Sowore’s concerns find resonance in the views of other political actors. Prince Adewole Adebayo, a former presidential candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), echoed Sowore’s sentiments, warning against the instrumentalization of the SDP by disgruntled members of the ruling APC. Adebayo insists that the SDP will not serve as a platform for settling personal political scores with President Bola Tinubu. He emphasizes that the SDP is open to genuine coalitions aimed at addressing the needs of Nigerians but will not be complicit in power struggles within the APC. This stance reflects a desire to protect the SDP’s integrity and prevent it from being drawn into internal conflicts of other parties.
The backdrop to this emerging political realignment is the growing dissatisfaction with the current administration’s policies and their impact on the Nigerian populace. Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP), articulated this discontent, highlighting the escalating cost of living, rising electricity tariffs, and increased data costs as evidence of the government’s failings. Ameh argues that any genuine coalition must prioritize addressing these pressing concerns and offering solutions to alleviate the suffering of ordinary Nigerians. He framed the current political climate as a “coalition against government,” suggesting that the shared experience of hardship is uniting diverse groups in opposition to the current administration.
The burgeoning coalition faces a significant challenge in establishing its credibility and demonstrating its commitment to genuine change. The skepticism expressed by Sowore and Adebayo underscores the deep-seated distrust of political elites and the perception that their motivations are often self-serving. The coalition must actively address these concerns and articulate a clear vision for the future that resonates with the electorate. This includes outlining concrete plans to tackle the economic challenges facing the nation and demonstrating a commitment to good governance and accountability.
The success of any political coalition hinges on its ability to mobilize popular support and present a viable alternative to the status quo. The current political landscape in Nigeria, characterized by economic hardship and growing discontent, provides fertile ground for such a movement. However, the coalition must overcome the perception that it is merely a vehicle for disgruntled politicians seeking to regain power. It must convince the Nigerian people that it represents a genuine force for change and that its primary concern is the welfare of the nation.
The 2027 general elections are still some years away, but the political maneuvering and coalition-building already underway signal the intensity of the upcoming contest. The success of the nascent coalition will depend on its ability to address the concerns of critics like Sowore and Adebayo, articulate a compelling vision for the future, and build a broad base of support among the Nigerian people. The current economic challenges and widespread discontent create an opportunity for a genuine opposition movement to emerge, but the coalition must demonstrate its commitment to addressing these concerns and offering a credible alternative to the current administration.
