Chris Edadi
By Chris Edadi
The need for synergy among opposition political parties in Nigeria ahead of the 2027 general election is not only a necessity but also the ultimate pathway to liberating Nigerians from the suffering, maladministration, and anti-people-oriented governance of the APC under President Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
Let us not be deceived into thinking that the continued creation of multiple opposition parties without the spirit and deliberate intention of coalition or alliance will be enough to unseat the APC government by 2027.
President Tinubu and the APC may not be threatened by the mere increase in the number of opposition parties, especially when we remain divided among ourselves. However, they will be more concerned when, in our diversity as opposition parties, we uphold the principles and mindset of a firm coalition against the ruling party. That is when it will make more sense and have a positive impact on Nigerians.
Besides, a coalition is not the same thing as forming a new political party. Rather, it is an alliance of already existing political organizations with the sole objective of achieving certain goals within a political dispensation. This simply means that we can function effectively in our respective political parties while recognizing a common opponent at the polls the APC government. This is not only possible but necessary.
To achieve this, certain criteria must be considered. Perhaps after all opposition parties have conducted their primaries and produced their candidates, the choice of flagbearers among the coalition members should be based on general acceptability. Secondly, the popularity and national spread of each opposition party must be assessed. Furthermore, the orientation of the electorate on the principles and benefits of coalition must be thoroughly and consistently promoted by all opposition parties ahead of the 2027 polls.
When there is proper cohesion among the opposition parties in Nigeria’s political space toward a coalition, it can attract even aggrieved members of the ruling party, encouraging them to join the coalition for a common cause.
This is beyond political parties, beyond self-interest it is about the people and the desired positive change in leadership and governance.
Let us get it right and reshape our mindset about the concept of coalition. Let unity and objectivity drive our activities across all opposition parties in Nigeria ahead of 2027. It must be all opposition parties united against the APC and nothing less.
E get why.
Comrade Edadi is the State Financial Secretary, PDP, Cross River.
