…Say Opposition Must Prioritise Internal Cohesion
…Peter Obi, Not Tinubu, Is Tsunami – Onovo
Concerned by the recent defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) by politicians from different political parties, especially the shocking movement of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in Delta State, opinion leaders, who sometimes refer to the defections to the APC as Tsunami Tinubu, have called on opposition leaders to urgently reorder their parties ahead of the 2027 elections.
Barrister Olalekan Ojo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer, stated: “The recent defections, particularly in Delta State, paint a concerning picture of the opposition’s current state.”
Barrister Ojo, the Managing Partner, Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, a leading law firm in Nigeria, added: “It (defection of opposition politicians) suggests a weakening of their ranks and potentially a lack of cohesive ideology or strong internal structures.
“The opposition currently appears fragmented and struggling to present a united front.
“To overcome the ‘Tsunami Tinubu’ in 2027, the opposition must prioritise internal cohesion and ideological clarity.
“They need to articulate a compelling alternative vision for Nigeria that resonates with the populace, focusing on issues like economic hardship, insecurity, and social justice.
“Strategic alliances and grassroots mobilisation are crucial. Furthermore, they must strengthen their internal democratic processes to prevent further defections and build public trust.
“Legal reforms ensuring a level playing field for all political parties are also essential for a truly competitive electoral landscape.”
Tola Oresanwo, Director, Administration and Programmes, Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL), stated: “The opposition in Nigeria appears weakened by defections and internal divisions, particularly with recent losses in Delta State.
“To counter President Tinubu’s dominance by 2027, opposition parties must unite under a single, strong coalition, as fragmented efforts will fail.
“They should focus on grassroots mobilisation, articulate a clear, alternative vision addressing economic hardship, insecurity, and corruption, and leverage Tinubu’s perceived policy failures.
“Building a charismatic, credible leadership and avoiding petty infighting are crucial.
“Additionally, they must invest in voter education and leverage social media to counter the ruling party’s machinery. Without unity and strategy, overcoming the ‘Tsunami Tinubu’ will remain elusive.”
Bishop Herbert Ekechukwu, a cleric and public affairs analyst, said: “In the real sense, we do not have political parties in Nigeria. What we have are platforms.
“I remember the politics of the Second Republic – there were noticeable differences between Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) and the National Party of Nigeria (NPN).
“Each of the five political parties then, namely, the NPN, NPP, GNPP, UPN and PRP, had clear-cut Ideologies and manifestos.
“But now, politicians are looking for platforms to contest election. No one is committed to any political party.
“For example, Mr. Peter Obi moved from APGA to PDP, then to Labour Party. Now, he is looking for another platform to contest next election.
“Alhaji Atiku Abubakar moved from PDP to APC, back to PDP. Now, he is looking for another available platform to contest next election.
“That is not true democracy. In reality, there is no opposition in Nigerian politics. The situation is now getting more dangerous.
“With the political manipulation and dexterity of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, we may end up with one party by 2027.
“The platforms are used and dumped. Acceptance of candidates are based not on performance, credibility character and content, but on tribalism, religious sentiments, the ‘My Turn’ syndrome, and amount of money now in Dollars available to buy delegates, voters, INEC and the judiciary.
“The fate of democracy is doomed in Nigeria. The late Chief Bola Ige described the then political parties as five fingers of a leprous man.
“What can save Nigeria is the formation of a new party by real progressives.
“Secondly, the masses as opposition: The Nigerian masses who have suffered economic hardship under President Bola Tinubu government can be considered as significant opposition force.
“These discontented could potentially translate into electoral consequences for the ruling party.
“To avoid Tinubu tsunami in 2027, the opposition should unite by forming alliances or coalitions to present a united front.
“The opposition can address the economic hardship forced on Nigerians. They can engage and mobilise the masses to participate in the electoral process.
“The opposition, at the various states they control, can showcase good and effective governance and leadership to demonstrate their capabilities, capacities and credibility in government.”
However, speaking with Sunday Independent, Chief Martin Onovo, a strong voice of the opposition in the nation and former Presidential candidate of the defunct National Conscience Party (NCP) in 2015, dismissed the use of the appellation, Tsunami Tinubu.
Said he: “Tsunami Tinubu? That is the issue. The Ooni of Ife called Peter Obi a tsunami, but you (the media) switch it to call Tinubu a tsunami.
Onovo, currently, the Head, Policy Positions, Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), added: “That is a clear misrepresentation. First, Tinubu is not a tsunami.
“Second, it was Obi that was called a tsunami after he won the 2023 election with a wide margin. God help us.” (Daily Independent)
