Former Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has described the emergence of a new political coalition led by major opposition figures as proof that Nigeria is not sliding into a one-party state.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television on Saturday, Fashola noted that the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by the coalition affirms Nigerians’ constitutional right to free political association. However, he questioned the coalition's ideological depth and potential longevity.
“There are many things to take away from those developments. I think the first is that it puts a lie, a big lie, to the story making the rounds about eight weeks ago that Nigeria was going to become a one-party state because there is an opposition of some quality, whatever that quality may be,” he said.
The former Lagos State governor acknowledged that the coalition signals a reawakening of Nigeria’s democratic landscape. Still, he emphasised that its success will rely on having a clear vision, manifesto, and policy agenda.
“Gathering ourselves together and saying we want to change Nigeria is all very well and good. But what is the compelling alternative message? Without a manifesto, without a programme of action, I can’t speak to how persuasive the coalition will be. There’s still a distance to run,” Fashola added.
He also criticised the existing opposition for a prolonged period of inactivity and failure to hold the government accountable in the past two years.
“I respect the right to associate, and Nigeria perhaps benefits from the reawakening of opposition, from what has been a long slumber, if you ask me. The opposition essentially abdicated its responsibility over the last two years,” he remarked.
Fashola's comments come as conversations around the 2027 general elections gather momentum, with stakeholders from various political backgrounds exploring realignments to challenge the ruling party.
