Garba Mohammed
Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser on Information and Strategy to President Bola Tinubu, has launched a scathing criticism of the newly formed opposition coalition operating under the banner of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing its members as “desperados” who are “united only by hatred” for the president.
The coalition — officially unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja — features several high-profile political figures including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi of the Labour Party, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and other political heavyweights such as Rauf Aregbesola, Solomon Dalung, and John Odigie Oyegun.
Onanuga, in a post on X (formerly Twitter), claimed that most of the politicians now embracing the ADC had long abandoned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), having failed to find relevance or secure ambitions within it.
“Rotimi Amaechi’s soul left the APC in 2022 after he lost the presidential primary to Tinubu,” Onanuga said.
“Abubakar Malami has distanced himself from the party since Tinubu became president, especially after losing his Kebbi governorship bid.”
He also referenced Rauf Aregbesola, who he claimed committed “anti-party activities” during the Osun elections and was expelled, and pointed out that some members of the coalition, like Hadi Sirika, are currently facing corruption trials.
“Onanuga warned Nigerians against embracing the coalition, alleging that it lacks any ideological foundation or clear vision for Nigeria’s future.
“This political party with no clear agenda or ideology — whose members are united only by hatred for President Tinubu — can not be good for our country. It will only set us back by decades.”
He dismissed their collective political weight, stating that the APC will not mourn their departure, and criticized the coalition’s motives as self-serving.
“These politicians are desperados, hungry for power — not for the benefit of Nigerians but for themselves,” he said.
The coalition’s emergence marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s political landscape ahead of the 2027 general elections. Former Senate President David Mark has been appointed interim national chairman of the ADC coalition, with Rauf Aregbesola serving as secretary.
Notably, the coalition includes former APC national chairman John Odigie Oyegun, ex-Attorney General Abubakar Malami, former Minister of Youth and Sports Solomon Dalung, publisher Dele Momodu, and Senators Eyinnanya Abaribe, Ireti Kingibe, and Victor Umeh among others.
Despite Onanuga’s comments, coalition leaders insist that their alliance is driven by a shared commitment to national rescue and democratic reforms, with Peter Obi stating that the decision to join was “not taken lightly.”