By Peace Udugba -The daily torch media
The Senior Political Assistant to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Mr. Demola Olarewaju, has described the emerging opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as one of the most significant developments in Nigeria’s recent democratic history.
Speaking on Monday during an interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM in Ilese-Ijebu, Ogun State, Olarewaju said the coalition represents a structural response to growing concerns about governance, political imbalance, and the weakening of opposition parties.
According to him, the ADC is not merely an electoral arrangement but a necessary corrective mechanism within Nigeria’s democratic evolution.
“I think the ADC coalition is the best thing that has happened to Nigeria over the past few years. We see what is going on… the shrinking of the political space,” he said.
Olarewaju argued that the current political climate has contributed to instability within major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party, both of which played key roles in the 2023 general election. He described the trend as symptomatic of deeper structural issues affecting Nigeria’s democracy.
He maintained that the ADC is gaining traction not because of individual ambition but due to widespread dissatisfaction with the political environment.
“There is a shrinking political space… and the ADC has come to expand that space. So, I think ADC coming on board at this time is an absolutely good thing for Nigerians,” he added.
The aide further alleged that opposition parties are being weakened through indirect political pressure, claiming that some governors have raised concerns about federal allocations being tied to political alignment. He cited complaints regarding access to ecological funds and UBEC counterpart funding, suggesting that such practices contribute to instability within opposition ranks.
Olarewaju also referenced political tensions at the state level, including disputes over local government allocations in Osun State, which he said reflect increasing politicisation of governance.
Coalition Strength and 2027 Outlook
On the ADC’s internal dynamics, Olarewaju expressed confidence in the coalition’s ability to build consensus among key political figures, noting that the coming together of diverse leaders already signals progress.
He listed prominent figures such as Peter Obi, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Rotimi Amaechi, Nasir El-Rufai, and Rauf Aregbesola as part of what he described as an unprecedented political alignment.
He added that even if consensus is not achieved, a transparent democratic process would still strengthen the coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Zoning and Governance
On the issue of zoning, Olarewaju downplayed its immediate importance, insisting that governance performance should take precedence over regional considerations.
He questioned whether President Bola Ahmed Tinubu deserves re-election based on performance rather than ethnic or regional identity.
Economic Hardship and Security Concerns
Olarewaju described Nigeria’s economic situation as a reflection of systemic governance failure, citing rising food prices and declining purchasing power as evidence of worsening living conditions.
He also criticised recent comments by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who suggested that insecurity in the country could subside after the 2027 elections. Olarewaju said such remarks raise serious concerns and should ordinarily prompt scrutiny by security agencies.
According to him, insecurity across several states, including parts of the North and emerging threats in the South-West, highlights what he called a lack of political will by the current administration to decisively address terrorism and banditry.
ADC Policy Direction
Outlining the ADC’s policy direction, Olarewaju said the party would adopt a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism and criminality, insisting that offenders must be prosecuted without exception.
He criticised the current administration’s approach to security, particularly the rehabilitation of repentant militants, arguing that justice must prioritise victims and enforce accountability.
“The government must devote more attention to security of lives and property,” he said, adding that political power should be used primarily to serve citizens rather than advance partisan interests.
Olarewaju concluded that the ADC aims to reposition governance priorities, focusing on security, accountability, and restoring balance to Nigeria’s democratic system ahead of the 2027 elections.
