Opposition Coalition Are Bunch of Deceivers Nigerians Should be Wary of, Warns Akpabio
The President of the Nigerian Senate, Godswill Akpabio, has described the newly formed opposition coalition as unrealistic and incapable of achieving political success under the current electoral framework in Nigeria.
Speaking at the National Assembly Open Week in Abuja on Monday, Akpabio cautioned Nigerians against being misled by what he called “political theatrics” being presented as a credible alternative to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Akpabio stated that the Nigerian Constitution and Electoral Act only recognize political parties—not informal coalitions—as entities qualified to field candidates for elections.
He said, “You cannot be a member of two political parties at the same time. Once you join a new one, your membership of the previous one automatically ceases. So, the idea of a loose coalition of individuals coming together to field a candidate is legally impossible.”
The Senate President emphasized that Nigerians must not allow themselves to be deceived by alliances built on personal ambitions rather than clear policy direction or constitutional backing.
He added that some politicians were creating false expectations by promoting political coalitions that cannot stand the test of legality and electoral integrity.
The remarks come in the wake of the recent announcement of a coalition by major opposition figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Anambra State Governor Peter Obi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai.
The coalition, which has aligned with the African Democratic Congress (ADC), is being positioned as a united front to challenge the APC in the 2027 general elections.
Akpabio dismissed comparisons between the new coalition and the successful merger that formed the APC in 2013, noting that the current alliance lacks the structure, unity, and legal foundation that defined the earlier merger.
He insisted that only registered political parties can sponsor candidates and cautioned that voters must scrutinize the legality of any political platform seeking power.
He also used the opportunity to clarify the role of lawmakers in the democratic system, noting that many Nigerians still misunderstand the duties of the legislature.
“We make laws; we are not the ones to build roads or hospitals. Citizens must understand the different roles within government to hold the right institutions accountable,” he said.
While the opposition coalition has gained attention, it has also faced criticism from APC leaders who have described it as a recycled gathering of politicians without a unified vision.
The ruling party has accused the group of trying to manipulate public sentiment with no credible alternative governance plan.
With the 2027 elections approaching, the debate over coalition politics is expected to intensify. Akpabio’s comments reflect the legal and political challenges that lie ahead for opposition figures seeking to consolidate power outside the established party framework.
