ADC’s Ibadan Declaration: An Opposition Agenda Detached from Citizens’ Needs

I could not hold back my feelings as a citizen of this country. I was eager to hear the outcome of the opposition convention held in Ibadan, expecting that the needs and welfare of ordinary Nigerians would be prioritized above political rivalry.

Unfortunately, I am deeply disappointed. I have come to the conclusion that the ADC Ibadan communiqué appears to be more of a selfish opposition agenda than a genuine effort to advance national interest.

The communiqué outlined a nine-point agenda, which can be summarized as follows:

1. Resistance to a one-party system of government;
2. Opposition to a sole presidential candidate by the ruling party;
3. Agreement by ADC to present a single presidential candidate;
4. A call for the removal of the INEC Chairman, Professor Mahmood Yakubu, from conducting the 2027 elections due to alleged loss of public confidence;
5. A request for the National Assembly to review and repeal perceived bottlenecks in the Electoral Act;
6. A demand for the release of all opposition figures allegedly detained by the ruling party;
7. A call for the extension of recent INEC guidelines;
8. A general call to “free the nation”; finally
9. Appreciation to the Oyo State Government for hosting the convention.

These are the nine agenda points of the Ibadan communiqué.

However, the critical question remains: where, within these points, is the interest of the ordinary Nigerian prioritized?

None of these proposals clearly outline how the opposition intends to improve the living conditions of citizens.

There is no concrete plan addressing economic hardship, unemployment, insecurity, or the general welfare of Nigerians.

The communiqué fails to present any meaningful alternative policies that would outperform those of the ruling government.

Nigerians must ask:

what difference will the opposition bring to the table that is significantly better than what the current administration under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is offering?

It is troubling that a convention would insist that individuals facing corruption allegations should be allowed to participate in elections.

It is equally concerning that they demand an extension of newly released INEC guidelines, which may suggest a lack of preparedness on their part.

The claim that the country is drifting toward a one-party system also raises questions. Is the ruling party the only political party registered under INEC? Clearly not.

Furthermore, the repeated call to “rescue the nation” becomes questionable when many of the same political actors were once in positions of power.

During their time in government, what meaningful impact did they make? Did they truly improve the lives of ordinary Nigerians?

Some among the opposition include former high-ranking officials who had the opportunity to reform the electoral system but failed to do so, possibly because they benefited from the very system they now criticize.

Many of these political figures had opportunities in the past to implement reforms and improve governance, yet the outcomes often left ordinary Nigerians worse off.

This is not to say that the current administration is without flaws or challenges. No government is perfect.

However, as an ordinary citizen, I can see prospects for the future aspirations, opportunities, and a sense of direction for myself and my children under the present administration.

Choosing a leader is a right, but choosing a wise leader goes beyond mere freedom it requires careful judgment, responsibility, and conscience.

This is my personal opinion, keep your’s and let me keep mine.

A.R Ahmed, PhD
Thejurisprudentialthinker