BREAKING NEWS: APC planning one-party state to secure Tinubu’s re-election – CUPP secretary

 

The National Publicity Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties, Mark Adebayo, tells ABDULRAHMAN ZAKARIYAU that the ambitions of stakeholders involved in coalition talks are the biggest threat to the negotiations. He pointed out that the crises within major opposition parties are being fueled by President Bola Tinubu’s administration, aiming to establish a one-party state to secure re-election and advance his alleged third-term agenda

As an opposition leader, how would you evaluate President Bola Tinubu’s administration?

In just two years, President Tinubu has led the country into deep hardship. Every sector of the economy and region of the country is suffering. He is governing in an incredibly difficult economic environment, his policies are anti-people and his record in key areas such as the economy, security, international relations, and food security is poor. In critical sectors like security, diplomacy, food security, education, health, and the economy, his administration has made little to no progress, achieving less than 5% in addressing these issues. Overall, the administration has failed to meet the needs of the Nigerian people, leaving the country in a dire state.

Given the current dynamics within the opposition parties, do you think it’s possible for them to defeat President Tinubu in 2027?

Removing them from power is not a tea party. It’s serious work that requires hard work, organizational discipline, commitment, focus, and patriotism. We should recognize that the person we are dealing with knows how to win and use power. Now, we’re talking about 2027, but the coalition doesn’t seem to have reached a particularly satisfactory plan. Sincerely, we must understand that the way President Tinubu is using power, he has already moved beyond 2027. For him, 2027 is already settled. President Tinubu is working towards two major projects that many people don’t fully understand. That’s why it will be very difficult to defeat him in 2027, unless we manage to unite, strengthen our focus, and come together. First, President Tinubu is working towards making Nigeria a one-party state. Second, after achieving a one-party state by 2027, he may push for a third term or even life presidency if we allow things to continue as they are.

Do you have any proof to support that?

Yes, if you look at the way things are going – especially the crisis in the PDP, Labour Party, New Nigeria Peoples Party, and other political parties that are on the brink of imploding – you can see that these crises are being caused by the ruling party for a purpose: to create a one-party state that will help them achieve a third term. These crises are being instigated by the presidency, and I say this with boldness. Former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai, said the same when he visited the SDP Secretariat, stating that all the crises in the political parties are being caused by the All Progressives Congress and the presidency. This is true. The crises are being blown out of proportion because they want to weaken the opposition to the point where it can’t even contest against them. Many political parties, even the so-called major ones, may not even have candidates – presidential or gubernatorial – in 2027. By then, the APC will have achieved the one-party state they seek. Those in power today fear having multiple political parties where people can express themselves freely and challenge them. The bottom line is that President Tinubu is working toward a one-party state, a third term, and possibly a life presidency. To achieve this, he will never allow opposition parties to be at peace.

Opposition leaders are already talking about a coalition to challenge President Tinubu in 2027. Are you hopeful it will succeed?

IIt is still a work in progress because the opposition parties and those planning to run need to agree on certain compromises. There are key issues that must be addressed for the coalition to become a reality. Some individuals must sacrifice their ambitions for others to succeed and support the chosen candidate. The biggest threat to the coalition is personal ambition.

For example, former Vice President Atiku still wants to run. While the majority within the opposition coalition believes power should remain in the South, some are urging him to step down. However, his mind is not made up, and I don’t blame him. It would be politically risky for him to step down again after being asked to do so in 2023, running and losing.

Although the consensus is to support a southern candidate, Atiku has the constitutional right to run. He is physically fit, and I don’t believe he should be sidelined based on his origin. However, if the opposition cannot unite behind one candidate, regardless of where they come from, the coalition will not make an impact in 2027. Without unity, we cannot stop the APC’s one-party state agenda or President Tinubu’s potential life presidency. We need to recognize when to step down and let others rise.

We should learn from the coalition that formed the APC in 2013, bringing together parties like the New PDP, APGA, CPC, and ACN to challenge the PDP and win the election. Some, including the current president, showed strategic patience, waiting for eight years before contesting the presidency.

What is the current status of the coalition negotiations?

There are more conversations, negotiations, contacts, and mobilization happening behind the scenes than what is visible to the public. Every day and night, people are traveling across Nigeria, discussing how to form a strong coalition. This is not something for TV cameras, but eventually, what is being built quietly will come into the open before the end of this year. According to the electoral act, political parties must have their candidates ready nearly a year before the general election, so I expect political forces to unite behind one candidate to challenge the president.

There are differing opinions within the coalition. Some believe the South should complete eight years of power, while others think power should remain in the South. However, some feel that the current two years of leadership from the Southwest have been a failure and that other regions should be given the opportunity. Both positions are valid in my opinion, but I believe some people should step aside to allow younger, more acceptable candidates to rise and be supported by the coalition.

If the opposition works hard enough, selecting a presidential candidate capable of uniting Nigerians and defeating the current president is achievable. There are prominent candidates like Peter Obi, as well as Adebayo Adewole of the SDP, who is equally qualified to run for the presidency. It’s about finding the right individual to challenge the president – someone the opposition can rally behind. By now, we should have moved beyond negotiations and discussions about stepping down.

President Tinubu has already moved past that stage. He will mobilize all the power, resources, and structures at his disposal to suppress the opposition. But Tinubu is defeatable. We just need to unite. If we come together as a coalition and put aside personal ambitions, we can defeat the president. His economic policies are working against him. Hunger and insecurity in the country are campaigning against him.

Through which political platform do the opposition stakeholders plan to achieve this coalition?

We are considering the possibility of supporting a candidate as a coalition, perhaps backing the SDP candidate, for example. In this case, the SDP candidate would be supported by all the coalition parties, but we wouldn’t necessarily merge into that party. Another option is for all of us to join the SDP, submit our certificates to INEC, and hold a national convention where we announce that we are merging into the SDP. We would then support the presidential candidate who emerges from that process. These are the options available to us.

However, most political parties are reluctant to lose their identity. The ADC wants to remain the ADC, the Labour Party wants to stay the Labour Party, and the National Reformation Movement (NRM) doesn’t want to lose its identity. Therefore, we are likely to agree that no opposition party will sponsor a presidential candidate. All our members and structures will be made available to the coalition candidate, regardless of which party they belong to.

This is similar to what happened during Abacha’s regime when parties supported his candidacy in a fake transition process. However, in a more positive light, we can have political parties declare that they will not sponsor a presidential candidate, but will instead support the coalition candidate. We may still sponsor candidates for governorship, House of Representatives, and Senate. Supporting one candidate for the presidency does not require dissolving a party. It will benefit the opposition to manage our differences, unite, and support one candidate.

You see, the first thing, before even talking about a political party, is to address the candidate. Once we sort out the issue of the candidacy, forget it. Any candidate that the opposition supports can join any political party.

Forming a coalition is just as crucial as monitoring INEC’s activities and planning actions to prevent rigging by other political actors.

One of the key responsibilities of political parties is educating the masses and the electorate. Over 90 million people are registered voters, but less than 25 million showed up to vote in 2023. This is due to insufficient political education, even from INEC and especially from political parties. While people often blame INEC for election crises, they often overlook the role of politicians. We need to focus on politicians and political parties, as that is where rigging begins. Who bribes INEC staff? Who bribes INEC heads? Who bribes the police, the DSS, or even party agents? These actions are not done by INEC. INEC does not buy votes or sell votes. It is unfair to place the blame for electoral issues solely on INEC. INEC is under severe pressure.

The first priority will be to form the coalition and prioritize educating Nigerians on the critical importance of voting and actively engaging in the election process. When citizens are well-informed and participate in the electoral process, they can play a vital role in monitoring the proceedings, ensuring transparency, and preventing any attempts at rigging or manipulation. Furthermore, we will put in place concrete actions and strategies aimed at curbing electoral malpractices, ensuring that the process remains fair and credible. Encouraging widespread participation, empowering voters, and promoting vigilance will be essential to safeguarding the integrity of the election and protecting the democratic process.

As President Tinubu begins the search for a replacement for INEC Chairman Professor Mahmood Yakubu, what advice would you offer him?

I know this President Tinubu will not listen to reasonable advice, as they have already made up their mind. It would be a tragedy for Nigeria’s democracy if President Tinubu is considering a Yoruba person for the role of INEC chairman. He is Yoruba, and the idea of “Yorubanizing” the entire Nigerian government is harmful. This desperate search for a Yoruba person to win elections will damage our democracy and erode public and international confidence in it.

I am a Yoruba man, and we know what Buhari did. We all opposed Buhari for “Fulaninizing” the federal government and for marginalizing non-Yoruba groups. Why would Tinubu seek to “Yorubanize” the presidency? It is unfair and unjust.

In selecting a successor to Professor Yakubu as INEC Chairman, priority should be given to qualities such as competence, pedigree, character, boldness, fairness, and experience, rather than sentimental factors. These traits are essential for ensuring effective leadership, integrity, and impartiality in overseeing the electoral process, which is crucial for maintaining public trust in the electoral system and upholding democratic principles.

What advice do you have for Nigerians?

Nigerians, particularly the youth, must become more politically aware and actively participate in the coalition movement. This is a call to action for all citizens to unite, contribute their voices, and work toward achieving a Nigeria that reflects our collective dreams. It is vital for everyone to engage, stand together, and speak out against President Tinubu’s harmful policies. By advocating for justice, fairness, and transparency, we can shape a more equitable and brighter future for Nigeria. Additionally, Nigerians must reject the practice of selling votes for small amounts of money, food, or gifts at polling units. Instead, we should support a presidential candidate who is humane, patriotic, and incorruptible. As 2027 approaches, credible leaders with strong character and pedigree will emerge. Citizens must stand firm, avoid being manipulated by money, and vote with their conscience, despite any attempts to sway them with stolen funds.