Senator Ita Enang, a prominent figure within the All Progressives Congress (APC) and a former presidential aide, has emphatically dismissed recent discussions surrounding a potential merger of opposition parties aimed at challenging President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 elections. Enang contends that such endeavors are inherently flawed and destined for failure. He bases this assertion on the premise that President Tinubu possesses unique insights and strategic knowledge, gained from orchestrating the successful merger that birthed the APC in 2013, which ultimately led to the displacement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from power in 2015. Enang argues that without access to these crucial “formulas and secrets” held by Tinubu, any attempt by the opposition to replicate such a feat is futile.
Enang’s dismissal of a potential opposition merger underscores his unwavering confidence in Tinubu’s political acumen. He portrays the President as a masterful strategist, a visionary democrat deeply versed in the complexities of party politics and governance. Tinubu’s political foresight, according to Enang, is so acute that he could even engineer the creation of an opposition party against himself as a strategic maneuver to gauge public sentiment and make necessary adjustments for the benefit of the people. This depiction paints a picture of Tinubu as a leader who anticipates and controls the political landscape, further solidifying Enang’s conviction that any opposition coalition would be easily outmaneuvered.
Furthermore, Enang highlights the ongoing wave of political realignments, with members of opposition parties defecting to the APC, as a testament to the growing confidence in Tinubu’s leadership. The influx of governors, top lawmakers, and other political figures into the ruling party, he argues, demonstrates Tinubu’s magnetic appeal and the widespread belief in his ability to deliver. This surge in support, interpreted by Enang as a sign of the President’s growing political dominance, further reinforces his skepticism towards the viability of any opposition merger, suggesting that the political momentum firmly favors Tinubu and the APC.
Enang’s assertion is further bolstered by his interpretation of the recent defection of the Akwa Ibom State governor from the PDP to the APC. This high-profile defection, in Enang’s view, not only signifies a further erosion of the opposition’s strength but also underscores the APC’s growing appeal and inclusivity. He emphasizes the ruling party’s willingness to embrace and accommodate new members, assuring the governor and other defectors of a conducive environment within the APC. This welcoming stance, Enang believes, further strengthens the party’s position and diminishes the prospects of any successful opposition coalition.
Moreover, Enang draws attention to the election of Godswill Akpabio, a former PDP governor and key figure in the merger of party structures in Akwa Ibom, as President of the Senate. This victory, according to Enang, is directly attributable to President Tinubu’s support and further solidifies the President’s influence within the political landscape. By highlighting Tinubu’s role in Akpabio’s ascension, Enang aims to showcase the President’s political power and his ability to shape key political outcomes, further undermining the perceived threat of an opposition merger.
In essence, Senator Ita Enang’s dismissal of a potential opposition merger rests on his unwavering belief in President Tinubu’s political mastery, the growing momentum of the APC, and the weakening of the opposition. He argues that Tinubu possesses exclusive knowledge crucial for forging successful political alliances, making any attempt by the opposition to replicate the APC’s success unlikely. The ongoing defections to the ruling party, coupled with Tinubu’s strategic influence, as exemplified by Akpabio’s election as Senate President, further bolster Enang’s confidence in the APC’s continued dominance and the futility of any opposition attempts to challenge Tinubu’s leadership in the foreseeable future. His message is clear: any attempt to unseat Tinubu will be met with failure due to the President’s unique political prowess and the solidifying power of the APC.
