Kayode Ogundamisi, former secretary general of Odua Peoples Congress (OPC), says President Bola Tinubu’s “formidable” political coalition may be insufficient to secure his re-election if Nigerians unite around their dissatisfaction with the prevailing economic conditions.
In an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90Minutes Africa,
Ogundamisi said Tinubu has demonstrated considerable political astuteness by
recognising the declining support for his administration in parts of the north
and rebuilding his political coalition across other regions.
“President Tinubu is a smart politician,” Ogundamisi said.
He said Tinubu had responded to the political situation by
assembling a coalition involving the north-central, south-south, parts of the
south-east, and north-east.
Ogundamisi acknowledged Tinubu’s ability to attract state
governors and influential members of the political establishment as evidence of
the strength of the president’s political machinery.
He added that, based purely on the president’s ability to
consolidate the political class around his administration, some observers could
conclude that he had already positioned himself strongly for the 2027 election.
“He has built his coalition among the political class by
being able to poach almost all the governors,” the OPC’s former secretary
general said.
“But he has failed to build a coalition among the Nigerian
people.”
According to the political commentator, the distinction
could ultimately determine the result of the 2027 poll.
He added that the scale of corruption under successive
democratic governments was “unbelievable”, noting that it had become worse
under the current administration.
Ogundamisi said the present government has developed a
“scientific way of stealing”.
He cited the existence of multiple budgets running
concurrently and the emergence of fake government agencies as evidence.
On the question of who should emerge as the principal
challenger to Tinubu, Ogundamisi said Peter Obi, candidate of the Nigeria
Democratic Congress (NDC), is the clear preference.
“If you put Peter Obi side by side with President Tinubu in
terms of their level of compassion, Peter Obi stands out,” he said.
“This is the time that Nigeria needs somebody who is
compassionate to the people.”
He criticised the continued presidential ambition of former
Vice-President Atiku Abubakar, noting that he should step aside in favour of
Obi.
“I believe it makes more sense for a southerner to run
against President Tinubu based on the principle of rotational presidency,”
Ogundamisi added.
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