Although not an entirely new phenomenon, there is no arguing the fact that “coalition” is the latest vocabulary in Nigeria’s political lexicon. Nigerians are not new to coalition and the fear of coalition is the beginning of political wisdom. There was coalition of political parties in 2013 leading to the formation of APC that resulted the voting out of PDP in 2015. PDP had ruled Nigeria since 1999 but coalition removed them from office at the centre and installed the ruling APC. The immediate past week witnessed the coming together of many opposition members including disgruntled elements of the ruling party as they unveiled a coalition under the umbrella of ADC. Naturally, this latest development has dominated discussions in the polity with divergent views and colourations being thrown up. Promoters and protagonists of the coalition contend that the objective of coming together of these old war horses under the ADC is to rescue Nigeria against what they termed “state capture”. They further believe that the coalition will lead to voting out the incumbent President Tinubu and his ruling APC from office or power in 2027 citing misrule and unprecedented hardships on Nigerians. On the contrary, those opposed to the coalition argue that the coalition is association of desperadoes and failed politicians seeking to get back to power because their feeding bottles have been removed from their mouths. That the coalition is dead on arrival and at best a storm in a tea cup. They further argue that those in the thick of the coalition have nothing new, no new ideas and no love to offer Nigerians as they have been given opportunities in the past but failed woefully to deliver. They are optimistic that the coalition will not last as it was a gathering of ambition nursing strange political bedfellows.
Truth be told, Nigerians like to wish away their pains and challenges. These circuitous debates and disputations for and against the recent coalition moves are arguably some of the many ways Nigerians are being kept busy and made to keep hope alive. Speaking seriously, starting fierce and intense discussions about an election that will hold in 2027 in 2025 is not only distractive but a laughable way to pretend that there will be no 2026. Politicians are truly incurable optimists. The stark reality is that from 2025 to 2027 is two years away. The year 2026 stands between 2025 and 2027. No one is talking about 2026 as if it does not exist. What will Nigerians be doing in between 2025 and 2026? Without taking sides, when seeking power, the Nigerian politician is quick to play to the gallery. Nigerians are tired of political coalitions for self- aggrandisement or power grab. Nigerians have had enough of the sweet talks by power hungry politicians promising to build bridges where there are no rivers. It is public knowledge that when in power or public office, the Nigerian politician sees himself or herself as a demigod, an emperor that can do and undo. When successful, they parrot the anachronistic monologue that power is taken and not given. They realise that power belongs to the people only when they are out of power.
Nigeria is a country where the best seems impossible and the worst cannot happen. Until the latest development, there was the fear that Nigeria was headed towards a one-party state. The coalition efforts have at least erased the fear that Nigeria will slide into a one-party state. Needless to say, the coalition will also help to put the government in power on its toes as it strives to make the welfare and security of the people its topmost priority. On the flip side, you can be in opposition without being opposed to all good things. Opposition is not about bows, arrows and cudgels. Opposition is not a dumping ground for yesterday’s oppressors and despots seeking to climb back to power. It is highly touted in many quarters that before many of those in the driving seat of the current coalition will be taken seriously by Nigerians, they must not only, individually and collectively, render unqualified apologies to Nigerians but this must be coupled with proven and verifiable restitution. It is also touted that many of the current coalition poster men and women ruined Nigeria and brought her to her knees. Thus, they have lost the moral high ground to pontificate about probity and propriety in public. In all of these, it is left for Nigerians to decide whether to stick with the government in power or to embrace the coalition.
Pointedly, in the immediate, the coalition that Nigerians desire is coalition against hunger, poverty, diseases and insecurity. Until 2027 voting and elections are here, Nigerians are in dire need of coalition against electoral malfeasances; election rigging; vote buying; ballot box snatching and or stuffing; political party impunity; party lawlessness; human rights violations; executive lawlessness; legislative rascality and judicial timorousness. Whether the coalition will succeed or fail in wresting power in 2027 is dependent on how the government and party in power responds to these existential challenges. 2027 is a long way to go from 2025.
A new normal is possible!
Prof Obiaraeri, N. O.
A story of courage, wonder, and the transformative power of self-belief; perfect for readers aged 10+ who love adventure. To place order: +234 806 130 3237 | +234 803 582 0870 OR Tap the link to grab a copy:https://www.zeekapublish.com/product/the-magical-life-of-anna
