By Musa Bakare.
As Nigeria gears up for the 2027 presidential election, the political landscape is increasingly shaped not by substantive policy discussions, but by an opposition coalition desperate to undermine President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Rather than offering a constructive vision for national development, this coalition is preoccupied with discrediting the current administration.
The opposition coalition appears more like a gathering of disgruntled political opportunists than a united front grounded in ideology or genuine patriotism. This dynamic not only threatens the progress of Nigeria but also represents a significant disservice to its citizens.
Instead of laying out a credible agenda, the coalition has devolved into a cacophony of grievances, focusing on personal ambitions rather than the collective good. They have become a persistent vehicle for misinformation, detracting from critical governance discussions and solutions.
Many in this coalition come from a past marked by significant challenges for Nigeria. Their return to the political sphere, devoid of regret but full of animosity, is both alarming and disheartening to those who remember the hardships of past administrations: fuel shortages, unpaid salaries, widespread strikes, economic downturns, and rampant corruption.
In stark contrast, President Tinubu’s administration has faced the tumult of governance with decisive actions. Since taking office in May 2023, he has implemented bold reforms that previous governments shied away from, such as the elimination of the fuel subsidy scam and the unification of the naira exchange rate. These changes, long overdue, have begun to yield positive outcomes, increased state revenues, a transparent fiscal environment, and rejuvenated investor confidence, elements necessary for a shift from mere rent seeking to a focus on production, driven economics.
It is ironic that many critics today once played prominent roles in the very system President Tinubu is now seeking to reform. Some held influential posts like Vice President, governors and ministers, but left a legacy of stagnation rather than progress. Their modern day critiques of Tinubu is seriously disingenuous, coming from those who, in their time, failed to enact meaningful reform or address pressing national issues.
Real democracy flourishes with a responsible opposition, yet what we see today is not genuine dissent but rather a campaign of destruction.
Nigerians deserve an opposition that offers credible alternatives and moves beyond stale rhetoric. We need representatives who transcend personal grievances, rather than those who leverage public hardship to serve their ambitions.
Constructive criticism and policy debates are essential in a healthy democracy. However, these discussions must occur in good faith, not through deceit, misinformation, or funded online attacks orchestrated by discredited power players.
As we approach 2027, Nigerian voters must be astute and discerning. It is crucial to examine the histories, integrity, and competencies of those vying for leadership. We should firmly reject political coalitions reminiscent of past failures and built on resentment.
The upcoming elections should focus on the future and not be mired in nostalgia for a troubled past.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, like any leader is not perfect, No one is. However, he is actively working, decisively facing the difficult choices that the country needs. This stands in stark contrast to many of his detractors, who seem more focused on critique than genuine governance.
Let the 2027 elections serve as a referendum on authenticity, reform, and resilience rather than a platform for nostalgia, rhetoric and opportunism.
It is vital to recognize that the unfocused opposition coalition, marked by desperation and lacking substance, is not the solution for Nigeria. This misguided alliance threatens our democratic maturity and jeopardizes the progress that has already begun.
In the context of history, it is those who construct and nurture society during times of difficulty that will be remembered far more than those who merely raised their voices in easier times.
– Musa Asiru Bakare, Foundation member of APC, member, Tinubu Support Group (TSG) and political analyst, writes from Lokoja, Kogi State.
