Mapping the push and pull forces shaping Nigeria’s opposition coalition, by Comrade Sanusi A. S. Maikudi
Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi’s incisive commentary, “As ADC is Unveiled – Nigeria’s Coalition on Course,” provides a timely reflection on the country’s political awakening. His optimism regarding the formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADC) is not misplaced. In fact, it resonates deeply with the growing national sentiment that the current APC-led government has failed to meet the expectations of the Nigerian people.
To appreciate the emergence of the ADC as a unifying platform for opposition and renewal, we must map the push and pull dynamics that are driving both the masses and political stakeholders into this coalition movement.
I. Push Factors Driving Nigerians into the Opposition Fold
Nigerians are not being drawn to the ADC merely by political persuasion they are being pushed by daily suffering, systemic neglect, and deliberate policy sabotage under the APC-led federal government.
1. Collapse of Governance and Public Infrastructure
Critical national infrastructure from federal roads to irrigation projects, hospitals to energy supply remains stalled or underfunded in many regions. Projects are launched with fanfare but abandoned without accountability. The half-hearted implementation of key infrastructure initiatives reflects a government more interested in optics than impact.
READ ALSO: As ADC is Unveiled Nigeria&;s coalition on course, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
2. Neglect of Pensions, Gratuities, and Domestic Debts
Senior citizens who gave their best years in service are left to beg for pensions and gratuities. Local contractors, many of whom took loans to execute public projects, are being crippled by unpaid debts. This fiscal irresponsibility is destroying livelihoods and collapsing trust in public institutions.
3. Failure to Implement the New Minimum Wage Effectively
The APC government continues to trumpet its approval of a new minimum wage, yet it has deliberately withheld the full implementation, excluding consequential allowances that would make the wage meaningful. As a result, public workers exist in near-penury while inflation ravages the economy. What is the point of raising the wage floor when workers cannot afford rice, rent, or transportation?
4. Escalating Insecurity and Breakdown of State Protection
Citizens across all geopolitical zones are being left to fend for themselves in the face of violent attacks, kidnappings, and organized banditry. Despite numerous military operations, peace remains elusive. National cohesion is disintegrating.
5. Rising Economic Hardship
With the removal of fuel subsidy, a weakened Naira, and soaring food prices, ordinary Nigerians are living in survival mode. Government policies appear disconnected from the realities of market women, civil servants, artisans, and young graduates.
6. Democratic Repression
Freedom of expression, dissent, and opposition organizing have been met with state harassment. The shrinking civic space confirms that APC is more interested in control than consensus.
These push factors are why Nigerians from the markets of Kano to the creeks of Bayelsa are now searching for an alternative, and many are finding hope in the ADC.
II. Pull Forces Drawing Political Actors and Citizens Away from APC
While the people are being pushed by suffering, key political actors and thought leaders are also being pulled away from the APC by the vacuum of vision, justice, and inclusion within the ruling party.
1. Lack of Internal Democracy and Imposed Candidates
The APC has become intolerant of internal dissent. Party primaries are stage-managed, loyal party veterans are humiliated, and elected officials are often bypassed in favor of personal loyalists.
2. Marginalization of Regions and Groups
The growing perception of ethno-regional bias and uneven development under APC rule has led to widespread disillusionment among many communities including those that were once the party’s backbone.
3. Collapse of Ideological Identity
The APC no longer represents any coherent philosophy. Its promises of progressive change, anti-corruption, and federal character have given way to confusion and contradictions. Many reform-minded individuals can no longer reconcile their values with APC’s trajectory.
4. Credibility and Opportunity in ADC’s Open Structure
The ADC’s emphasis on dialogue, internal reform, generational inclusion, and national consensus is attracting patriots who still believe in Nigeria. Unlike the ruling party, it offers room for innovation, reflection, and contribution.
III. Conclusion: ADC as a Collective Rescue Effort and the Choice Before Nigerians
READ ALSO: Pathways to coalition struggle in Nigeria, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
The emergence of the ADC is not a coincidence it is the outcome of cumulative frustration and collective reawakening. The push from the suffering masses and the pull of new ideas, new energy, and new leadership are converging into a powerful political force. This is more than just a change of party it is a struggle to rescue the soul of Nigeria.
Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi’s essay has therefore struck the right chord. The ADC may not yet be perfect, but it has positioned itself as the most viable platform for democratic redemption, responsible governance, and national healing.
Now the ball is in the court of every Nigerian. The choice is clear and there is no third option.
If you genuinely believe that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team are performing well and steering Nigeria in the right direction, then by all means, rally around the APC and vote for his second term.
But if you, like millions of others, believe that PBAT’s administration is wrecking the economy, deepening suffering, marginalizing the majority, and stifling national progress then you must support the opposition and vote them out decisively.
This is not the time for silence or indifference. This is not the time for sitting on the fence. Our democracy cannot afford neutral spectators.
History is watching. Posterity is waiting. The ADC is offering a platform but it is the people who must make the move.
Comrade Sanusi A. S. Maikudi
Public Affairs Commentator & Advocate for Democratic Renewal
sanusimaikudi@gmail.com
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