Coalition slams proposed Atiku-led alliance as opportunistic

By Abubakar Yunusa

The Arewa Empowerment Coalition (AEC), has come out strongly against the proposed formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alongside prominent political figures such as Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal.

In a scathing statement issued on Tuesday by the AEC leader, Sulaiman Yusuf Sani, the coalition described the proposed alliance as a “misguided political misadventure” by “a cohort of disgruntled opportunists” attempting to hijack Nigeria’s democratic aspirations for personal gain.

Sani said: “We view this coalition as a poorly calculated decision that reflects a profound misunderstanding of the current political landscape and the aspirations of the Nigerian people. Atiku Abubakar’s attempt to forge this alliance is not only misguided but also indicative of a broader trend of political miscalculations that have plagued his career.

“The AEC believes that this initiative will yield negative consequences and fail to achieve its intended outcomes, primarily due to the misjudgment of public sentiment, underestimation of the opposition, and a lack of foresight regarding the potential repercussions of their policies.

“The Arewa Empowerment Coalition believes that the North would not be deceived by the antics of the Atiku-led coalition. The political arena in Nigeria is not merely a chessboard for the ambitions of a few; it is a complex tapestry woven from the hopes, dreams, and frustrations of millions. Atiku and his allies appear to have overlooked this fundamental truth.

“By attempting to rally together a coalition of disillusioned politicians, they underestimate the resilience and intelligence of the Nigerian electorate, who are increasingly discerning and demand authentic leadership rather than opportunistic alliances.

“Moreover, the AEC contends that the ADA is a desperate maneuver by individuals who, having failed to connect with the grassroots, now seek to cling to power through alliances that lack genuine substance.

“The political careers of figures like Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal are marred by controversies and a legacy of governance that has left much to be desired. Their inclusion in this coalition only serves to diminish its credibility and further alienate the very citizens they claim to represent.

“Atiku Abubakar’s political calculations appear to stem from a fundamental failure to accurately assess the shifting dynamics of Nigerian politics. His reliance on established but discredited figures signals a lack of innovation and a disregard for the evolving needs of the populace. The AEC believes that true leadership requires not only an understanding of current political realities but also a vision that prioritizes the long-term well-being of the public over personal ambition.