29 May: Is real politicking about to begin?, by Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani
On 29 May 2025, the current administration at the central and state levels will reach two years in office, marking the halfway point in this tenure. Exactly two years remain, serving as a poignant reminder of the essence of time and the stark realities before us and those that loom on the horizon.
As an advocate of good governance, I derive little or no joy in politics if it does not solve problems. I detest politics that don’t address issues and provide succour to the people. Hence, the headline shouldn’t suggest I am a staunch politician or supporter who relishes politics over governance.
Over the years, through my contributions to nation-building via writing, I penned an article titled “Politics: Some Nigerian Politicians’ Main Priority.” The piece challenged the status quo where politicians, especially those in power, relinquish their main duties and dwell on politics, affecting the deliverables they offer as leaders elected by the people. My views on this aspect remain unchanged. I am an unabashed advocate of good governance, backed by real proof.
The central theme of this article is to discuss how, in Nigeria, many politicians relish every opportunity to play politics, often at the detriment of societal growth and development. They relegate their primary assignments and prioritise what is of little importance.
In Nigeria today, a flurry of activities is unfolding on the political scene, probably the grandest high-level defections in recent history. The defection spree has reached an extent where it has been tagged as a rapid walk towards a one-party system, emphasising the severity of the threats. The opposition is in disarray, and never has it been hit this hard, especially the main opposition, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which seems to be held by the jugular by allegedly planted moles from the ruling party, All Progressives Congress (APC), an allegation they have refuted several times.
What is undeniable is that the opposition camp is shattered, depleting almost daily, with erstwhile party stakeholders who were consistent in their support and stance on the party leaving. The Governor of Delta State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis Oborevwori offers typical example of the ruins in the opposition family. There are speculations that some governors will join. The leading party already has 22 governors.
The opposition has been charting a grand coalition to dislodge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, already the sole presidential candidate of the APC, as adopted at their recent National Summit in Abuja. With former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Nigeria’s opposition leader, former Anambra state governor, Peter Obi, the 2nd runner-up in the last presidential election, and former Governor of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, the most vocal of the trio since he switched sides from APC to SDP, the coalition is gaining momentum. Malam Nasir El-Rufai made a bold statement that they are building a coalition that would send President Tinubu back to Lagos.
Whether this ends up being spot on or just a mere daydream, we await to see how it turns out. Reports from different angles suggest the opposition has adopted the African Democratic Congress (AC) as the platform to contest 2027the presidential election, citing lack of political baggage or legal challenges as the chief reason for the decision, though it was denied by some elements planning the coalition.
The next few months will be crucial for Nigeria, the world’s largest black nation, as many politicians prioritise self-interest over collective progress, this must be reduced to the barest minimum. Unfortunately, infighting will likely overshadow the needs of the people. As real politicking takes center stage, I hope governance doesn’t suffer unduly. I wish Nigeria continued success.
Abdulrazak Iliyasu Sansani, a Social Commentator, can be reached via Abdulrazaksansani93@gmail.com.
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