Political Realignment and the Dynamics of Coalition Building in Contemporary Nigeria Politics: An Analytical Reflection.

By Victor Agbor  

A Concerned APC Stalwart

The phenomenon of political opportunism among elected and appointed officials, particularly those favorured by the incumbent administration, remains a disturbing and recurrent feature within Nigeria’s political landscape. It is not uncommon to observe that many of these politicians, despite struggling to secure electoral victories within their wards and constituencies, frequently engage in the systematic denigration of opposition figures  they once revered or aligned with. This pattern of behaviour typifies what may be termed “political jobbery,” wherein allegiance is fluid and often dictated by expediency rather than ideological commitment.

Historically, such political actors are among the first to defect when opposition parties gain ascendancy, underscoring a transactional approach to party loyalty. This opportunistic disposition undermines the consolidation of robust party systems and contributes to the volatility of Nigeria’s democratic process.

In recent months, the political terrain has witnessed significant developments, notably the strategic coalition-building efforts among opposition parties aimed at unseating the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the forthcoming general elections. This emergent coalition represents a concerted attempt to coalesce diverse political interests into a formidable front capable of challenging the entrenched incumbency.

Despite the gravity of this political realignment, government affiliated commentators and partisans have been precipitous in dismissing the coalition’s efforts, often characterizing it as a futile exercise. Such dismissals are not only myopic but also historically incongruent. It is imperative to recall that the current administration itself ascended to power through a coalition of erstwhile opposition parties, a testament to the efficacy of strategic political alliances in Nigeria’s multiparty democracy.

Moreover, comparative analysis within the West African sub-region reveals a consistent pattern wherein opposition coalitions have successfully mobilized electoral victories. Countries such as Ghana, The Gambia, and Senegal exemplify this trend, while recent widespread protests in Togo underscore popular demands for governmental accountability and change.

Within the APC, there is growing discontent stemming from an inadequate reward and recognition system. This has engendered covert dissatisfaction among party loyalists, many of whom, despite public declarations of support, harbour private grievances that may manifest electorally. The disconnect between grassroots mobilization efforts often involving significant personal sacrifices and the party’s subsequent patronage allocations threatens internal cohesion and electoral viability.

Political allegiance is not merely performative but is contingent upon tangible incentives and the equitable distribution of political capital. The failure to address these internal dynamics may precipitate defections and erode the party’s foundational support base.

While opposition leaders endeavour to institutionalize their coalition and present a united front, certain APC chieftains have resorted to dismissive rhetoric, labeling these efforts as mere political noise confined to media narratives. Such underestimation of opposition capacity is strategically unwise and risks complacency in the face of evolving political realities.

Looking ahead, the 2027 electoral cycle promises to be a watershed moment in Nigeria’s democratic trajectory. The interplay of coalition politics, intra party dynamics, and voter sentiment will shape the contours of governance and political accountability.

In conclusion, the ongoing political contestation underscores the imperative for all stakeholders to engage in substantive dialogue, embrace coalition building as a legitimate democratic practice, and address internal party grievances to promote a more resilient and responsive political system.

Let the politics unfold with the rigor and seriousness it demands.