Former Director General of the Voice of Nigeria (VoN), Mr. Osita Okechukwu, has criticized politicians from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over claims that they could inherit the political base of late President Muhammadu Buhari, particularly his widely referenced 12 million vote-bank.

Speaking on Sunday in Abuja following an interdenominational memorial service in honour of the late president, Okechukwu described such aspirations as “unrealistic” and lacking moral foundation.

A founding member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Okechukwu hailed Buhari’s more than five decades of service, from his role as military governor to his presidency, describing it as a “rare legacy built on integrity, discipline, and patriotism.”

“With the greatest respect to prominent politicians who expect to inherit late President Buhari’s much-celebrated 12 million vote-bank — Buhari’s shoes are too big,” Okechukwu said.

“His uncommon humanity, integrity, and transparency quotient are far beyond what these aspirants represent.”

Criticism of ADC Politicians

He accused leading ADC figures of lacking a credible track record in public service, particularly in the fight against corruption. According to him, several of them were involved in controversial privatization efforts during previous administrations, citing failed management of assets such as NEPA, Ajaokuta Steel, and the Aluminium Smelter Company.

Okechukwu further alleged that many of these politicians had relied on vote-buying and patronage politics, a stark contrast to Buhari’s popular grassroots appeal.

On Regional Politics and National Unity

Addressing the “northern card” strategy reportedly being adopted by some ADC hopefuls, Okechukwu dismissed it as a political illusion, citing examples from past elections.

“Flying the northern card is a mirage. The northern electorate is one of the most sophisticated — they voted for Abiola in 1993 and gave Tinubu more votes in 2023 than the Southern electorate,” he noted.

He warned that such strategies risk stoking regional tensions and undermining Nigeria’s unwritten rotational presidency agreement, which has played a role in maintaining national balance.

“Those who crave Buhari’s 12 million vote-bank are consciously pitching the North against the South. They should rethink, because equity, justice, and fairness are the foundation of our democracy.”

CPC Allegiance and Internal Resistance

Okechukwu also revealed that attempts by the ADC to absorb remnants of Buhari’s defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC) were rebuffed by key stakeholders including former governors Tanko Al-Makura and Aminu Masari.

He concluded by calling on political actors to honour Buhari’s legacy and contribute to strengthening democratic principles rather than exploiting political sentiment.

“We must preserve the integrity of Buhari’s legacy. The Fourth Republic depends on upholding those principles that brought us this far.”