ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai

By: Dr. James Bwala

All four politicians still have their ropes hanging in the former or soon-to-be former political party. El-Rufai has left the APC but could not have a place in the SDP, as the party denied him being their member. While he is still dancing in ADC, no one knows for sure what his aims are as the party quietly watched him and closely checked on his character. Mr. Peter Obi is still grappling with which way to go and still consulting with a madman for direction. It is still unclear whether he has stepped his foot firmly in ADC, as he constantly looks back to his Labour Party. Kwakwanso’s last move against the presidency is an indication that things are falling apart. He is rumored to make a full move soon into the ADC to challenge Atiku and others for the party’s ticket but still wants to be present in his party, the NNPP, holding both goalposts in that confusion. Atiku Abubakar left the PDP allegedly for fear of FCT Minister Nyesom Wike. He may be having favor in ADC; however, he is relying on some of his foot soldiers within the PDP to run his game. And the confusion continued.

It was Fela Kuti, the famous Nigerian musician and activist, that created powerful and celebrated songs, which are now reminding us of what he was trying to address in our political theater, and long after he was gone, we see this song making meaning of political issues in Nigeria, especially with the current confusion unfolding in the ADC. I could mention many of his songs that reflected on the current political drama, but one such song that comes to mind and well addresses the current drama and confusion within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) political party is “Zombie.” Fela sang this song and released it in the 1970s, looking at the political confusion at that time and criticizing the blind obedience of soldiers and the political leadership that manipulates them. The game ADC is planning to play with Nigeria ultimately for selfish gains. And “Zombie” can be applied to the themes of the music that reflect the ADC position amongst its leadership and fellowship, explaining the disarray amongst its leadership and struggles within its ranks for impact against a formidable force, which President Tinubu and Kashim Shettima literally command today.

It was not too early to state that the 2027 general elections in Nigeria are shaping a battleground for the glory of those who are ready to take it. The renewed HOP initiative of the Tinunu and Kashim Shettima administration is making waves and winning in the argument of who holds the political aces. On the other hand, when we look at the political maneuvering and shifting alliances among the most notable figures in the soon-to-be race, we can see the old faces and actors like Atiku Abubakar, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, and Nasir El-Rufai. While we cannot deny them of their pedigree on the political landscape, these leaders political backgrounds and ambitions fail them. They face a complex web of relationships that could make or break their chances, and we have this to say: the dynamics between them have already shown signs of tension. It is already suggesting that things may soon fall apart as the elections approach.

I am not speaking about Rotimi Ameachi in this context because he has his battles to face with Wike as political issues unfold. Choosing the ADC to form a coalition of opposition may be a good strategy, but ambition knows no brother, and greed will always kill a friend in a struggle. Their coming together not in one accord put ADC on the edges of collapse as the party now faced significant challenges stirred by internal conflicts, leadership disputes, and ideological differences. No thanks, but thanks to the ambitious politicians who are hungry and angry, as they made us understand. Indeed, the problems they have brought to once a quiet and still political party stem from a lack of sincere, collected reforms and collaborative coalition. This is making it difficult for them to work towards common goals. And like the soldiers in “Zombie,” who are depicted as mindlessly following orders, some leaders and members of the ADC have shown a failure to critically engage with the party’s vision, goals, and objectives that will engage in political adventure towards success. Nigerians now observed, and what they are saying is that these men are not here to foster democratic values but to promote their personal interests. This is leading to confusion and instability within the party, as being a witness within the party despite the sugar coating with seemingly smiling faces that is hiding the monster soon to be revealed within.

Atiku Abubakar, the former vice president, is indeed a veteran politician. But his marriage to many political parties makes him a man of unstable ways in the political arena. The former vice president has long sought the presidency and continues to position himself as a unifying candidate. However, his recent alliance with various factions within party politics has drawn criticism. Engr. Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, a former governor of Kano State and a prominent figure in the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), found himself in the valley of decision while he lingered on the choices to make, revealing his greed for power and lack of focus on what he was out to pursue in the political arena. He was tipped to join the APC, but his eyes run over choices leading to a breakdown in relationships in political connections. His fight with the presidency over his alleged claims that the North has been neglected further pushes him to the benches to seek connections with the coalition. Kwakwanso is known for his grassroots connection and populist rhetoric; his appeal lies in his ability to mobilize support in the northern regions. Nevertheless, his ambitions may clash with those of Atiku if he joins the ADC, as rumor has it. If he did, both would be targeting similar voter demographics, potentially leading to conflict rather than collaboration in a coalition.

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Another gladiator fielding in the ADC platform for the coalition is Mr. Peter Obi, the former governor of Anambra State and candidate of the Labour Party. Peter Obi has gained significant traction among the youth and educated class. His campaign focuses on economic reform and anti-corruption, appealing to a generation that seeks change. However, Obi’s rising popularity has not gone unnoticed, and it threatens to draw support away from both Atiku and Kwankwaso. With the calls by Nigeria for power to be shifted to the South, the ADC may be forced to side with the voices of Nigerians, and that means a lot to the Atiku and Kwankwaso camps. The competition for the same voter base could exacerbate tensions among the candidates, leading to further fracturing of alliances within the ADC. The dumping of the APC, the clinging of the SDP, and now the pitching with the ADC bring to the floor a comedy of Nasir El-Rufai, the former governor of Kaduna State. Nobody knows who he is standing with. For Atiku, Kwankwaso, Peter Obi, or for himself? Whatever position he is taking, he is adding another layer to this intricate political scenario. El-Rufai’s reputation for controversial policies and governance style might alienate certain voters, but he also has a solid support base within the political landscape. El-Rufai’s position might create friction with the other candidates as he navigates his political future amid allegations of mismanagement and public discontent.

Looking from the prism of Fela Kuti’s music, the understanding often highlighted the importance of awareness and critical thinking among citizens. The late Afrobeat singer encouraged listeners to question authority and not accept information at face value. This message is particularly relevant today, as the ADC grapples with factions and conflicting interests. The inability of the party to present a unified front to the public can be compared to the soldiers in “Zombie” marching in unison but without genuine intent or purpose. It serves as a reminder for ADC members to strive for integrity and collective action rather than mere conformity to leadership decisions, which may not always reflect the party’s true values.

While we count the cakes, the value of gold is soaring as the elections draw closer. The potential for conflict among Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai is palpable. Each leader is striving to consolidate their position while contending with increasing competition. If these leaders cannot find common ground and create meaningful alliances, they will risk undermining their respective reasons for collaboration and coalition. Consequently, the ADC might witness a fracturing of relationships, leading to a political landscape where collaboration becomes unlikely, ultimately impacting the future of the party. And this explains the significance of Fela Kuti’s protest music. This transcends time, providing valuable insights into the political landscape of Nigeria today and going beyond what we are talking about in the corners from what we see and observe. Fela Kuti’s powerful lyrics and compelling messages encourage present and future generations to engage actively with political issues. It is crucial for ADC leaders and members to listen and learn from the lessons embedded in Kuti’s music, particularly the necessity of unity and a commitment to democratic ideals. As confusion continues to persist within the party, embracing a more collaborative and transparent approach will be essential for party survival. For us on the other side, “Zombie” is good music and should continue as the confusion in ADC rages.

• James Bwala, PhD, writes from Abuja.

ADC and Coalition 2027: The Fractured Ties Between Atiku, Kwankwaso, Obi, and El-Rufai