By Mohammed Bello Doka
Recent remarks by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, urging Members of the Northern Elders Forum (NEF) to either stand in defense of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's government or step down from their roles within the administration, highlight a growing discord within the political landscape. Specifically addressing Baba Ahmed, a prominent spokesperson for the NEF, Matawalle's statement reflects the frustration stemming from the NEF's condemnation of President Tinubu's government and their veiled threats of non-support in the upcoming 2027 presidential election.
This discontent is not isolated to Matawalle alone but resonates throughout the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC), who are bewildered by the NEF's outspoken critique despite having NEF members occupying significant positions within the government.
The heart of the matter lies in the principle that one cannot sow cassava and expect to reap yams. Historically, the NEF has not aligned itself with the APC or its policies since the party's inception in 2014. Despite this, the APC opted to appoint opposition figures to pivotal governmental roles, disregarding the grievances of steadfast party loyalists who played instrumental roles in bringing the party to power.
By sidelining its own faithful supporters in favor of opposition figures, the APC has inadvertently created a predicament wherein it now finds itself imploring allegiance from individuals it borrowed from the opposing camp overnight.
In light of the NEF's recent revelations, one cannot overlook the rampant leakage of official government secrets into the public domain, consistently tarnishing the government's image. Similarly, the question arises as to the motives behind the apparent subversion of government policies.
It behooves Bello Matawalle and all concerned parties to acknowledge that loyalty cannot be demanded from individuals whose allegiance was acquired hastily, overshadowing the dedication of longstanding party members.Therefore, the leadership of the APC finds itself reaping the bitter fruits of its own actions, experiencing a sense of betrayal akin to the sentiments harbored by faithful APC supporters who endured insults, abuse, and intimidation to propel the party into power.
In the annals of Nigerian political history, such a scenario is unprecedented. It is unheard of for less than 10% of the Presidential Campaign Council to be represented in the Government Cabinet. Typically, the composition of the cabinet mirrors that of the Presidential Campaign Council, as those individuals are deemed to be ardent believers in the mission and vision of the ruling party.
Historically, precedent and conventional wisdom align to underscore the importance of cohesive leadership within the ruling party's ranks. As noted by political analysts and historians, a cohesive leadership structure, where key members of the Presidential Campaign Council are integrated into the Government Cabinet, serves as a testament to the shared vision and commitment to the party's agenda. This symbiotic relationship between campaign strategists and government officials has been a hallmark of successful administrations throughout Nigeria's democratic history.
However, the divergence from this established norm in the current administration has raised eyebrows and fueled skepticism among party faithfuls and political observers alike. The glaring disparity between the composition of the Presidential Campaign Council and the Government Cabinet has laid bare the fissures within the APC leadership and exposed the fragility of its internal cohesion.
Moreover, historical precedents from previous administrations further underscore the significance of maintaining a united front within the ruling party's hierarchy. In past administrations, leaders of Presidential Campaign Councils were not only instrumental in securing electoral victories but also played pivotal roles in shaping government policies and initiatives. Their seamless transition into key governmental positions was not merely symbolic but practical, ensuring continuity and coherence in governance.
Against this backdrop, the discordant voices emanating from within the APC's ranks, epitomized by the recent rift with the NEF, signal a looming crisis of confidence and legitimacy. The repercussions of this rift are not confined to the present moment but carry profound implications for the future trajectory of the party and the stability of Nigeria's political landscape.
Mohammed Bello Doka is the founder/National Coordinator Tinubu Media Team.
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Opinion