Ibadan meeting: Atiku, Obi, Kwankwaso still have opportunity for grand alliance — Ologbondiyan
2027: ‘Hungry Nigerians, Not the Opposition, Will Give Tinubu Sleepless Nights’
By Luminous Jannamike, Abuja
Kola Ologbondiyan, a prominent figure in Nigerian opposition politics, has voiced his concerns regarding the upcoming 2027 general elections. Previously serving as the National Publicity Secretary for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ologbondiyan now acts as Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). In an interview, he discussed the challenges facing opposition parties and the implications of Nigeria’s ongoing economic difficulties.
Ologbondiyan asserted that despite existing fractures within opposition coalitions, such as the recent departures of Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso from the ADC, there remains potential for unification. He cited a recent meeting in Ibadan, where several opposition parties expressed a desire to collaborate on a proposed grand alliance leading up to the election.
“There is still an opportunity for the opposition to work together and rescue our nation from the path of perdition it seems to be on,” he said.
Reflecting on the recent tension within the ADC coalition, Ologbondiyan noted that the decision by Obi and Kwankwaso to exit was rushed and not fully deliberated. He urged for a united front, emphasizing that a coalition with a single candidate could be essential for a credible challenge to President Bola Tinubu.
Ologbondiyan expressed skepticism about the PDP’s former strength as an opposition party, questioning its current effectiveness. “Which PDP are you talking about?” he asked. “The party has struggled to fulfill its role since losing power in 2015.”
When discussing the perception that opposition parties become more vocal only during election cycles, he commended the ADC’s consistent efforts to hold the government accountable. “Since its inception, the ADC coalition has been focused on pressing the government on its responsibilities, especially regarding the economy and social issues,” he stated.
Concerns over legal challenges faced by both the ADC and the NDC were also raised. Ologbondiyan expressed confidence in the judiciary, asserting that it will uphold democratic principles. He maintained that the legal framework for party deregistration is clear and does not favor arbitrary actions.
On defining a clear policy distinction from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Ologbondiyan emphasized the ADC’s commitment to democracy and rejecting one-man rule. He believes the ADC stands out as a party that aims to operate in the genuine interests of the Nigerian populace.
Addressing the broader political landscape, Ologbondiyan noted the urgency for all political factions, including the PDP and ADC, to prioritize national rebuilding efforts and support a government that serves the people.
In response to President Tinubu’s recent declaration of his readiness to “fight to finish” politically, Ologbondiyan interpreted this as a misunderstanding of the political climate. He suggested that the real challenge for the President lies not with the opposition but with the millions of Nigerians facing economic hardships.
“If the President thinks the 2027 election is solely about him and the opposition, he is mistaken,” Ologbondiyan said. “The real issue is with the citizens who are struggling and looking for change.”
In concluding the discussion, Ologbondiyan reflected on the sentiments of undecided voters heading into the 2027 election, suggesting that the realities of their lives would dictate their decisions rather than persuasive rhetoric from political leaders.
