Conversely, Obi distanced himself from any proposed coalition, asserting, “I’m not interested in coalition for the purpose of power grabbing”
Atiku and Obi Disagree on Coalition Against Tinubu
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party (LP) leader Peter Obi expressed differing views on proposals for a coalition aimed at unseating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the upcoming general election.
Atiku stressed the importance of cooperation among opposition parties to effectively challenge the ruling party. In contrast, Obi stated that he would not support any coalition if its sole purpose is to seize power.
The two politicians spoke during a discussion on civil rule, leadership, and political reforms at the ‘Democracy Conference’ in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). The theme of the two-day conference was “Strengthening Nigerian Democracy: Pathway to Good Governance and Political Integrity.” A keynote address titled “Party Politics and Political Integrity: The Role of Political Parties and Opposition in Democracy” was delivered by historian Prof. Bayo Olukosi.
This disagreement marked the second occasion where the former Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate in the 2023 election and his LP counterpart diverged on strategies for the opposition to unite against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2027. Senator Rabiu Kwankwaso, leader of the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) and former governor of Kano State, also distanced himself from any proposed mergers, accusing those advocating for it of hypocrisy.
At the conference, a range of participants including party leaders, scholars, civil society members, diplomats, and top government officials were present.
Atiku argued that the only way to dislodge the current government is through a coalition of opposition parties united by shared ideas and objectives. He emphasized the significance of coalition-building, stating, “Opposition parties must realize that it is extremely difficult to dislodge a governing party, no matter how unpopular it may be or how fed up the public is with it. Coalition-building and outright mergers are critical for enhancing the capacity of the opposition to achieve that goal. Our history, along with examples from other countries, supports this.”
Conversely, Obi distanced himself from any proposed coalition, asserting, “I’m not interested in coalition for the purpose of power grabbing.”
The former Anambra governor noted that past coalition efforts had often devolved into mere attempts at power acquisition. He questioned why political leaders would allow the country to deteriorate in their pursuit of political power. Obi emphasized, “What is important is the future of Nigeria. We have abandoned the country, and our discussions have devolved into power struggles. I am not interested in any coalition aimed solely at gaining power. What matters is addressing the needs of Nigeria, securing the country, and focusing on the welfare of the common people, especially their education. That is the most critical issue facing Nigeria right now.”
He urged Nigerians to actively participate in strengthening democracy for their own benefit.
Obi said: “We have seen that whatever happens in democracy affects the citizens. It affects their daily living and the future of their children.
“So, we must all now get involved to make it because we know that it’s not working in Nigeria.”
Frowning at the monetisation of politics, he said: “That is what we need to remove because what you are doing is that you are encouraging stealing of public money.
“Because if I steal it and use it to win an election, then, I get all the power and everything, including immunity, not to be prosecuted. So, we must stop it. That is what driving the stealing.”
How to strengthen democracy, by Atiku
Atiku highlighted five critical issues that should be tackled in a bid to strengthen democracy in the country.
These include the institutional capacity of parties, normative acceptance by party members; consequences for non-compliance; and judicial reform.
He said democracy cannot be sustained without strong political parties, especially opposition, adding that the parties should be strong and democratic enough to fulfil their roles.
Atiku said party ownership and their subordination to individual big men is antithetical to democracy.
He frowned at the current method of party funding, saying it cannot lead to party supremacy.
Atiku said: “Funding by governors and a few wealthy individuals is not a democratic model.
“As we know, he who pays the piper dictates the tune. Funding must be democratised. Members must invest in and co-own parties.
“In more effective democracies, parties and candidates raise funds from the mass of members and supporters.
“When people invest in something, they tend to be more engaged with it. So, our people, especially party members, need to be enlightened.”
The former vice president also called for reform to curb judicial recklessness.
