{VIEWPOINT} The national political coalition movement: Because I am involved

By UCHE DIALA

When they arrogantly mock and say, we cannot, we say and prove to them that, yes, we can and we will. It is possible. Insha Allah!

This week, as dubbed by a section of the media, is crucial as far as the coalition movement is concerned. It may well be so.

We are aware that there was a move last week to adopt the ADC as the coalition platform without completing the recommended processes, which mandated doing necessary due dilligence with the ADC as well as with the SDP which would lead to an objective and evidence based consideration and assessment and ultimately a decision on which platform to adopt.

Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, standing on his known respect for principles, due process and due dilligence, was able to redirect the coalition partners and the movement.

On the strength of that, the coalition movement is currently engaging with the SDP. It is expected that when that process is completed, maybe by the end of this week, an unbiased, fact and evidence based comparative analysis and assessment of the two parties would be done and one selected.

It might help to give a little insight into how the coalition narrowed down to the two parties – SDP and ADC. That could also help and guide the coalition leaders in their all important and potentially historic task.

Of the 4 political parties under focus, viz; SDP, ADC, NRM and AA, the SDP and the ADC in some ways have similar strengths. The separating factor might come down to a dispassionate and selfless consideration of some other finer details.

Some head to head data from the last (2023) general elections regarding each party’s performance are crucial and would be helpful.

1) In The 2023 Presidential Election:

▪︎ The ADC polled a total of 81,919 votes as against SDP’s 80,267.

▪︎ The SDP deployed 43,310 polling agents (covering 24.5% of polling units nationwide), while the ADC deployed 36,260 (covering 20.5% of polling units nationwide).

▪︎ The SDP had 3,310 Collation Agents as while the ADC had 3,620 collation agents.

Why Are These Relevant?

Polling Unit (PU) Agent Coverage measures a party’s grassroots reach and mobilization ability.

Collation Agent Deployment indicates a party’s ability to monitor election results at key collation centers.

2) Overall, In The 2023 General Elections:

▪︎ The SDP secured 2 seats in the Senate, 2 seats in the House of Representatives, and 7 State Assembly seats.

▪︎ The ADC secured secured 0 seats in the Senate, 2 seats in the House of Representatives, and 1 State Assembly seat.

From the above data, of the 4 parties considered, the SDP and ADC emerged the strongest in electoral performance, grassroots mobilisation, and legislative presence.

These in addition to an objective consideration of legal & organizational issues and each of the two party’s compliance with INEC regulations, as well as a dispassionate and selfless consideration of some finer details and factors, would help a great deal in answering the question of which party provides the strongest foundation or platform for a united opposition and better guarantees a successful outing in the 2027 general elections.

There is no question that a data-driven and structured analysis approach provides the coalition leaders with a clear roadmap to take a decision that would enhance strategic unification, legal compliance, and electoral success.

It is also important for the coalition leaders to secure leadership consensus to prevent internal disputes while considering the mindset of members of the parties.

In my humble view, any move or approach that might be seen by members of any of the parties under consideration as a ‘hostile takeover’ would be problematic, if not in the short run, in the medium and long run.

I would humbly recommend a more organic infusion into a party. That would help to engender trust, reduce possible frictions, and potential legal and other challenges and be in line with the principles of internal party democracy, which we all want to enthrone to be the difference.

I have no doubt whatsoever, considering the calibre of key individuals driving the coalition movement, that with strong and selfless leadership, strategic planning, and decisive execution, a unified coalition party will pose a formidable challenge 2027.

To achieve this, the leaders of the coalition must bear in mind the clear and present danger faced by Nigeria and Nigerians, caused by the current administration which has thrown the nation and Nigerians under the bus in just two years with no stated or viable path out. This is actually the reason why the coalition became necessary and why the majority of Nigerians, across party, tribe and creed are lining behind the coalition movement.

The coalition leaders must appreciate the magnitude of hope and expectation placed on them by Nigerians, many of whom have become hapless and almost hopeless. They must each act with the highest level of selflessness and patriotism, willing to sacrifice where need be and to bury individual ambitions and interests for the collective interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Only the best option will suffice.

Permit me to say this in ending. It might help some people in some quarters.

It is without a doubt that the SDP with its already established strength and capacity, as highlighted earlier, has received even more visibility, energy, growth in numbers and acceptability since Mallam Nasir El-Rufai joined the party. That is crystal clear to everyone. Energy and enthusiasm are invaluable in politics.

However, inspite of a being a strong factor in the increasing enthusiasm, acceptability and popularity of the SDP, Mallam El-Rufai as a consummate democrat has also accorded due respect to the National Chairman of the party as well as it organs. I believe that the National Chairman understands, appreciates and reciprocates that respect.

Mallam Shehu Musa Gabam ,SDP National Chairman is an independent minded and confident man who knows his political onions and cannot be pushed around. Therefore, any concerns in some quarters that Mallam El-Rufai has undue influence on the National Chairman and the party itself should be discountenaced.

In all, I have absolute faith in and commitment to the coalition movement and high regards for the leaders of the movement. I have firm confidence that they would do what is right for the nation and Nigerians. History and posterity will be kind to them if they do.

When they arrogantly mock and say, we cannot, we say and prove to them that, yes, we can and we will. It is possible. Insha Allah!

God Bless Nigeria.

©️ Uche Diala

druchediala@gmail.com
25th May 2025