Introduction to the Crisis
Amid talks by the Action Democratic Congress (ADC) with other opposition political parties to unseat the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led All Progressives Congress (APC) administration, Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has dismissed the plan as the ranting of opposition politicians. Uzodinma also said the State of Emergency Tinubu declared in Rivers State was specifically meant to protect suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara from being impeached by the state legislature.
The Opposition’s Plan
ADP’s National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, confirmed the gang-up at the weekend in Abuja during the launch of three books: ‘Tax Tithe in Tight Economy’, ‘Optimising VAT for Business Growth and Economic Development’ and ‘Murky Waters of Politics’ authored by the national treasurer of the party, Dr Okey Ude. Though he declined to name key opposition figures his party is networking with, Sani explained that he, alongside top notchers of the ADP, were bent on ensuring the emergence of leaders that would turn around the fortunes of the country in the 2027 poll. The Niger State-born politician insists that Nigerians deserve a better deal than what is obtainable under the Tinubu-led administration.
The Rationale Behind the Opposition’s Move
Sani said: “Yes, collaboration is the thing that gets things done. Even in business, it is not about domination; it is about collaboration. So, we will collaborate with those that we know share in our ideology, in our approaches because this country needs good leadership. Our party is for good leadership because that is what the country deserves. This country is a promise of greatness, and you have to get great leaders. The great leaders cannot come the way we are going. We must begin to change the system of recruitment of leadership, which means the process of conducting elections have to be changed.” Udo, who was ADP’s vice-presidential candidate in the 2023 poll, argued that with the vast resources spread across the country, Nigeria has the potential to be not just a giant of Africa but a global giant.
The APC’s Response
ADDRESSING a media parley in Lagos over the weekend, Uzodinma said the APC and the President were unperturbed by opposition leaders’ efforts to form a coalition aimed at winning the 2027 presidential election. The Chairman of Progressive Governors Forum (PGF) said the leadership of the ruling party was not only vigilant but had also demonstrated more political experience, for the coalition forces to unsettle. He said: “What is a coalition? We are practising partisan democracy, not coalition democracy. Partisan democracy requires belonging to a political party to contest elections. When your party is no longer viable and you seek political oxygen, you must first leave the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) before discussing alliances.
The Situation in Rivers State
Uzodinma said he supported the emergency rule because he was concerned about protecting national economic assets. “When pipelines were bombed, we had to prioritise safeguarding production. As chairman of the National Economic Council’s subcommittee on crude oil theft, our efforts have been on how to boost output, and any actions threatening our quotas must be condemned. The President, as Chief Security Officer, acted to quell tensions in Rivers. Had the House of Assembly impeached Governor Fubara, it would have set a dangerous precedent. It may be him today, another tomorrow. As a Christian, I believe leadership is divine. It is God who ordains,” he said.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the political landscape in Nigeria is becoming increasingly complex, with the opposition parties attempting to form a coalition to unseat the APC administration. However, the APC remains confident in its ability to maintain power, with Governor Uzodinma dismissing the opposition’s plans as mere ranting. The situation in Rivers State remains a point of contention, with the emergency rule declared by President Tinubu aimed at protecting national economic assets and preventing the impeachment of Governor Fubara.
FAQs
Q: What is the main goal of the opposition parties in Nigeria?
A: The main goal of the opposition parties is to form a coalition to unseat the APC administration in the 2027 presidential election.
Q: Why did President Tinubu declare a state of emergency in Rivers State?
A: President Tinubu declared a state of emergency in Rivers State to protect national economic assets and prevent the impeachment of Governor Fubara.
Q: What is the APC’s response to the opposition’s plans?
A: The APC is confident in its ability to maintain power and has dismissed the opposition’s plans as mere ranting.
Q: What is the significance of the ADP’s National Chairman, Yabagi Sani, confirming the gang-up with other opposition parties?
A: The confirmation by Yabagi Sani signifies the opposition’s determination to work together to achieve their goal of unseating the APC administration.
Source: guardian.ng
