Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the growing opposition coalition as a positive sign for Nigeria’s democracy but cast doubts on its sustainability and political impact ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Gbajabiamila made the comments on Saturday after casting his vote in the Lagos State local government elections at Polling Unit 014, Elizabeth Fowler Memorial High School, Surulere.
“It’s a welcome development. In every democracy, we need some level of opposition to avoid becoming a one-party state. But I’m not sure where this coalition will go,” he told reporters.
While he emphasized the importance of credible opposition in a healthy democracy, Gbajabiamila cautioned that the coalition’s structure might lack the durability needed to challenge the ruling party effectively.
ADC Explains Why Atiku, Obi Haven’t Resigned
Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) — adopted as the platform for the opposition coalition — has defended the continued membership of prominent figures like Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi in their original parties, PDP and Labour Party, respectively.
Speaking to THISDAY, ADC Interim National Publicity Secretary Malam Bolaji Abdullahi explained that both leaders are strategically remaining in their parties until after off-season elections are concluded.
“They have supporters contesting elections under their current parties. Leaving now could destabilize those campaigns,” he said.
Abdullahi clarified that the affected figures will resign at the appropriate time and are currently working to support their base until a full transition becomes feasible.
PDP’s Former Legal Adviser Condemns Coalition Strategy
In a sharp rebuttal, Jacob Mark, a former legal adviser of the PDP, dismissed the coalition as “political window shopping,” arguing that party leaders like Atiku cannot legally or ethically operate within two political parties.
“You must belong to one party. You cannot claim PDP and ADC at the same time,” Mark asserted during an interview on ARISE NEWS.
He stressed that a legitimate political coalition must be between organized parties—not individuals straddling affiliations for personal advantage.
Mark went further, blaming PDP’s leadership for weakening party discipline, which he claims has encouraged defection and anti-party behavior without repercussions.
“In our time, you dared not switch parties casually. Today, people leave and return without consequence,” he said.
Gbajabiamila on Voter Turnout and Election Conduct
Gbajabiamila also expressed disappointment at the low voter turnout during the local government polls in Lagos, despite noting that the election process itself was peaceful and transparent.
“It’s unfortunate that people don’t understand the importance of local government elections, which directly impact them the most,” he said.
He urged for greater voter education and civic engagement, particularly at the grassroots level, to strengthen democratic participation.
