Politics
Politics Of Nigeria’s Unity
The issue of unity in Nigeria’s diversity over the years has been given various interpretations. In fact, recent developments in the country have proved that most frequently, the term “unity in diversity” is only remembered when the need arises for the one to take undue advantage of the other.
A good example is the esoterically contradictory interpretations of former Head of State, Gen. Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), of what Nigeria’s multilingual enclave should be, deducible from his declarations as Commander in Chief of the country, and his recent frustrating outbursts.
As a Head of State (from the eve of 1984 to August 1985), like others before and after him, he had preached unity in diversity to the highest heaven. But following his failures at the April 2011 polls, he now deems it fit to throw Nigeria’s unity to the dogs, going as far as threatening bloodbath to a nation he should rightly assist to steer towards the right path as an elder statesman.
It is in this light that the recent stance by former Heads of State, Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo and Gen. Ibrahim Babangida becomes commendable, in spite of their contributions in inadvertently planting the seed that has germinated thus far during their tenures.
Though arch-enemies, they suddenly realised what is expected of them as elder statesmen, and came up with a joint statement denouncing the present in- security in the country. In their statement, they noted thus:
“Unfolding events in our dear motherland, Nigeria, over the last few years are threatening to unravel the nearly a century old labour of our founding fathers and subsequent generations in building a strong, united, peaceful nation that can accommodate and cater for the needs and aspirations of our diverse communities.
“Internecine crises are raging across the land unabated with damaging consequences on the social, political and economic life of the nation. And in the process untold hardships are being visited on all citizens in one form or another on a daily basis.
“The lost of innocent lives being experienced by the day across the nation is simply unbearable. Currently, the nation is gripped by a regime of fear and uncertainty that virtually all citizens have difficulties going about their normal day-to- day lives without great anxiety and trepidation. This cannot be allowed to continue.
“A deeply worrying trend that is emerging from this terrible situation is that a pervasive cynicism is beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots are starting to question the platform upon which the unity of this country rests. This is simply untenable.
“The people of this country must not allow whatever sense of frustration, fear and despair we are experiencing now to supersede our hopes for a collective destiny which lies in our continued existence as a Nation. For us, and we believe for millions of other Nigerians, the continued unity of this nation is not only priceless but non-negotiable.
“We, therefore, urge all governments in the country, starting with all the 774 local councils to comprehensively engage their communities at the various levels including: elders, youth organisation, trade union and associations, women bodies, the clergy and other community stakeholders.
“We also call on the Federal and states governments not only to encourage these grassroots engagements for peace and beneficial coexistence, but should work out the framework to sustain the engagement. In all these efforts, it is important to emphasise that our diversity is a course for celebration not a cause for lamentations.
“Finally, we need to reiterate that no meaningful development can ever occur in an atmosphere of violence and hatred. History has shown that any society that is built on the structures of violence and intolerance cannot prosper.
“We need to appreciate that, God in His infinite mercy, has blessed our country with abundant resources and talents, but we need peace and harmony to harness them not just for our own wellbeing but also that of our children and grandchildren. We owe this future generations of Nigerians this much.
“On our part, we are ready to do whatever is possible to promote the quest for peace and harmony. And are ready to join hands with all patriots to sustain and further enhance the unity and progress of this country.”
orrying trend that is emerging from this terrible situation is that a pervasive cynicism is beginning to set in, so much so that millions of true Nigerian patriots are starting to question the platform upon which the unity of this country rests. This is simply untenable”.
Presenting an address titled “Nigeria’s unity and regional groups: Influence and impact of Northern Governors Forum”, at the Royal Institute of International Affairs, Chatham House, London, last month, chairman of the Northern States Governor’s Forum (NSGF), Dr. Mu’azu Babangida Aliyu harped further on Nigeria’s unity, with emphasis on efforts made by the NSGF for the sake of Nigeria’s unity in diversity.
The well articulate address, which was compartmentalised into Protocol, Fuel Subsidy, Religion/Regulation, Peer Review Mechanism, Economy, Mobilising Socio-Cultural Groups and Traditional Institutions for National Unity, Overcoming Socio-Political Challenges, Security, Violence and Islam, Nigeria: A Historical Reflection, Regional and National Unity, Lessons, The Niger State Example, and Conclusion, touched on virtually all aspects of the Nigerian society, but for the apparent politics of unity.
Specifically, Dr. Mu’azu, who is also the Governor of Niger State, noted under “Protocol” that “the Northern States Governor’s Forum does not believe in the break-up of Nigeria. Hence, the unity of Nigeria is sacrosanct in spite of the current (security) challenges”. Yet he gives undue credit to the NSGF for obeying Nigeria’s constitution at critical moment of the nation’s democracy.
“For instance, we initiated and supported the adoption of the ‘doctrine of necessity’ by the National Assembly and Nigerians in confirming the then Vice President as the Acting President to resolve the exploitation of the prolonged illness and absence from office of the then President, Umaru Musa Yaradua despite Section 144 subsection 1(b) and subsection 2 of the Nigerian Constitution.
“The Constitution provides that when the President is incapacitated, administrative power to act be transmitted to the Vice President to avoid vacuum in leadership.
“The problem of formal transmission came to the fore when members of the National Assembly demanded for the letter by the ailing president before legitimising the acting capacity of the then Vice President. To date there is no certainty about what happened to the letter and whether or not it was written.
“In honouring the Constitution, the forum supported the making of Dr Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, Acting President that was subsequently endorsed by the Nigerian Governors Forum (NGF) at the national level in spite the antagonism originating from the South-south region.
“Notwithstanding such antics, he was confirmed by the National Assembly and sworn-in as Acting President paving the way for peaceful transition on the death of President Umaru Musa Yaradua on May 5th, 2010 and President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR sworn-in on May 6, 2010 as substantive President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria”
The NSGF, as represented by Dr. Mu’azu also seeks to be noted as having done the extraordinary for standing against the zoning of the presidency by the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP), contrary to the 1999 constitution which states in section 131 that “A person shall be qualified for election to the office of the President if- (a) he is a citizen of Nigeria by birth; (b) has attained the age of 40 years; (c) he is a member of a political party and is sponsored by that political party; and (d) he has been educated up to at least school certificate level or its equivalent”.
It might therefore be pertinent to state that, acting according to the constitution in this context can only be seen as an extraordinary feat when it is already viewed as an abnormality.
But Mu’azu also showed his knowledge and acknowledgement of Nigeria’s peculiar socio-political challenges when he said “We have our peculiar problems and challenges; a fundamental one being leadership deficit. There is a gap of committed leadership that understands the nuances of governance and that which is conscious of the sensibilities of the political environment.
“Leadership deficit has over the years exposed Nigeria to high-level of corruption, bad governance, political instability and a cyclical legitimacy crisis. Consequently, national development has been slow and the political environment uncertain.
“Indeed, surmounting the challenges of today World requires a leadership with moral compass – character, vision, integrity and courage to take difficult decisions to enhance socio-economic development, irrespective of whose interest is at stake”.
This, among others, implies that the Boko Haram sect, which is currently the cause of the insecurity pervading the country, particularly the north, should be openly denounced by such respected traditional rulers like Sadauna of Sokoto, the father of Islam in Nigeria, and former Heads of States from the north. Incidentally, that region has a majority among former Heads of States in the country .
Operating under the umbrella of the Coalition of Civil Society Network, the group described the ruling delivered by Justice Obiora Egwuatu as unfair and contrary to the spirit of democracy, urging the judiciary to consider the will of the people in its final determination of the matter.
Justice Obiora Egwuatu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had on Thursday, October 30, sacked Gummi for defecting from the PDP, which sponsored his election, to the APC.
In his ruling, Justice Egwuatu held that it was morally wrong for a politician to transfer votes from one political party to another, stating that “political prostitution must not be rewarded.”
He declared that voters elect candidates based on the manifestos and ideals of their political parties. Therefore, it was both legally and morally unacceptable for an elected official to abandon that platform without relinquishing the mandate.
The court also restrained the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, from recognising Hon. Gummi as a member of the House, and ordered him to refund all salaries and allowances received from October 30, 2024, to the date of judgment.
Justice Egwuatu further directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct a fresh election within 30 days to fill the vacant seat.
The suit, marked FHC/ABJ/CS/1803/2024, was filed by the PDP and its Zamfara State chairman, Jamilu Jibomagayaki, who argued that Hon. Gummi’s defection violated Section 68(1)(g) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as there was no division within the PDP to justify his action.
But convener of the coalition, Lukman Muhammad, who addressed journalists at a press conference in Abuja on Saturday, said Hon. Gummi’s defection was a direct result of the unresolved internal crisis within the PDP, which, according to him, crippled the lawmaker’s ability to effectively represent his constituents.
He said: “We believe the court’s decision was unjust and failed to consider the circumstances surrounding Hon. Gummi’s defection. Gummi’s decision to join the APC was necessitated by the unresolved internal crisis within the PDP, which hindered his ability to effectively represent his constituents.
“We affirm that Hon. Gummi’s right to choose his political affiliation is protected by the Constitution and should be respected. We stand for democracy and the rule of law, while also urging the judiciary to consider the will of the people and the greater good”.
He urged Justice Egwuatu to review the judgment, stressing that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent that undermines the principle of fair representation and the rights of elected officials.
The coalition further noted that the judgment has broader implications for Nigeria’s democratic process, as it raises questions about the extent to which lawmakers can exercise their constitutional freedom of association without fear of losing their mandate.
The parties stated that the APC was on the verge of collapse following the recent wave of defections from opposition parties into its ranks.
In separate interviews with The Tide source, spokespersons for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) —Debo Ologunagba, Oladipo Johnson, and Mark Adebayo – respectively, said an implosion was imminent in the APC.
But the APC Director of Publicity, Bala Ibrahim, stated that recent defections to the party were voluntary and inspired by the ruling party’s achievements, not through coercion. He added that the APC was well-structured, capable of managing its internal affairs effectively, and therefore would not experience any internal crisis.
In recent months, the ruling APC has continued to receive several high-profile politicians from opposition parties, particularly the PDP. Among those who have joined the APC are Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, and the PDP’s 2023 vice-presidential candidate, Ifeanyi Okowa.
Most recently, members of the Enugu State Executive Council defected to the APC, a move followed by Governor Peter Mbah’s official declaration for the ruling party on October 14 in Enugu.
On October 15, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, announced his resignation from the PDP. Although he has yet to join another party, speculation is rife that he is on his way to the APC.
Similarly, Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, confirmed last Wednesday that he would be joining the APC.
Numerous other politicians, including several lawmakers, have also abandoned their parties to align with the ruling APC.
In his reaction, Hon. Ologunagba predicted an imminent crisis within the APC, expressing confidence that those who defected would eventually return to the PDP.
He stated, “This is the major political party (PDP), and it is the only democratic party in the country. It has structures cutting across all the local governments, all the wards, and of course all the states. In every home, there are members of the PDP, and that is why the APC are jittery, and that is why they are coercing our members, using state resources and state agencies to force members of opposition parties to join the ruling party.
“But in all this, we are sure and confident that very soon, the APC will implode because it is a multipurpose political vehicle that is not going to last. It is going to implode.
“Many Nigerians will see through it and know that the party is not a political party that protects the interests of the citizens. So, they are going to leave the party and move to the major political party, which is the PDP. We are optimistic that before 2027, many Nigerians will join us because this is the truly democratic party and the only party that is out there to protect their interests.”
On his part, Mr Johnson of the NNPP lamented that the wave of defections posed a serious threat to the country’s democracy.
Mr Johnson said, “This is bad for democracy. For our type of democracy, it is important to have a proper and effective opposition. Already, we’ve seen a blurring of lines between the legislature and the executive; some would even say the judiciary. I hope not. I think many people are observing the trend and are unhappy. However, we need to be a bit more patient and see what happens soon.
“When the PDP was in power for 16 years, it was the party many people rushed into. Over time, it imploded, and many of those who joined it turned against it. So, I see that happening to the ruling APC. Definitely. This is because of the nature of Nigerian politicians; many are driven by personal interests. I always say that Nigeria can never truly be a one-party state. Even if only one party exists, it will become factionalised, with different interests and power blocs. Those pushing the country toward a one-party system may not have studied Nigeria’s political history carefully.”
In his remarks, CUPP’s Adebayo stated that the pattern of defections among politicians, particularly governors and lawmakers, was a deliberate strategy by the ruling party to transform the country into a one-party state.
Mr Adebayo said, “It is not accidental; it is a deliberate and strategic effort to entrench a one-party dictatorship. Whether these defections are forced or coerced, one thing is clear: it is an intentional action driven by the ruling party, particularly the President.
“This development is unhealthy for our democracy. It is shameful and stands against everything democratic principles represent. It is inimical to the growth and development of Nigeria as a democratic nation and poses a grave threat to our political stability.
“The implosion of the APC will come before or once it loses power. Most Nigerian politicians lack ideological grounding or principles; their loyalty lies only with the party in power. Political affiliation is tied to ideology and conviction, not convenience. However, the ideology of most politicians is simply the ruling party. If tomorrow the ADC, Labour Party, or SDP wins the presidency, many of these same politicians will abandon the APC overnight. They have no shame, no conviction, and no conscience. Their only motivation is proximity to power.”
In response, Mr Ibrahim of the APC maintained the APC would not face any internal crisis, asserting that it has the capacity to effectively manage its affairs, unlike the opposition.
He stated, “The fact that the opposition are not organised and they cannot organise primaries, neither can they manage their parties, does not mean we are on the same boat with them. Our party, the APC, has been conducting primaries successfully and rancor-free.
“So, the fact that they don’t know how to manage their party does not mean that is the way we run our own party. The APC does not coerce anyone to join. Those joining are doing so willingly because of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope achievements. Our party is fully prepared. It’s not going to implode; it’s not going to have any issues similar to the issues they have been having.”
Senator Ndume, in a statement on Saturday in Abuja, accused both the executive and legislative arms of complacency, saying their failure to proactively engage the United States government on the alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria led to the development.
The senator recalled that he had earlier sponsored a motion in the Senate on “Christian genocide” in the country. The motion, he said, led to resolutions mandating the Nigerian government to engage the U.S. with verified facts and figures.
President Trump, last Friday, announced the designation of Nigeria as a ‘Country of Particular Concern’ over alleged persecution of Christians.
President Trump made the announcement via a post on his Truth Social platform, which was also shared on the official White House X handle.
“Thousands of Christians are being killed. Radical Islamists are responsible for this mass slaughter,” President Trump wrote.
But the Nigerian government swiftly rejected the claims, insisting that President Trump’s assessment did not reflect the true situation in the country.
However, Senator Ndume accused the President Tinubu’s administration and the Senate of treating the allegation raised by US lawmaker, Riley Moore, with complacency, prior to President Trump’s declaration, and urged the federal government to take urgent steps to engage the US government with facts and figures on the activities of terrorists organisations which, he noted, were blind to faith.
“I have alerted the government, I even moved a motion. Nigeria is a sovereign state, it isn’t about what the United States can do to us, but about the misconception and the ripple effects of classifying us as a country of concern.
“We should engage the American government by presenting facts and figures. By engaging the US government, we should demand that they hear the other side of the story from the Nigerian government and the Muslim community. Muslims have been killed too. The genocide isn’t against Christians but Nigerians generally,” he said.