By Samuel Adeola
Presidential Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has criticized the newly formed opposition coalition under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing its members as “power-hungry” politicians united only by their hatred for President Bola Tinubu.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), on Thursday, Onanuga accused the coalition of lacking ideology and a clear national agenda, claiming their primary objective is to unseat President Tinubu in 2027.
“These politicians are not driven by love for country or progressive ideals. Their only uniting factor is bitterness and desperation for power,” he stated.
Onanuga noted that many of the coalition members had long distanced themselves from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and said their official exit was of no consequence to the party.
“They left APC a long time ago, even if unofficially. We won’t mourn their departure,” he said.
The coalition was formally unveiled on Wednesday in Abuja, with former Senate President David Mark and ex-Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola announced as interim national chairman and secretary, respectively.
The development followed a strategic meeting held on Tuesday by key opposition leaders.
Among those present were former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, former governors Aminu Tambuwal, Rotimi Amaechi, and Liyel Imoke; ex-Ministers Solomon Dalung and Abubakar Malami; former APC National Chairman John Odigie Oyegun; and others including Dino Melaye, Dele Momodu, Victor Umeh, Ireti Kingibe, Eyinnaya Abaribe, Gabriel Suswam, Lauretta Onochie, Bolaji Abdullahi, and Kashim Imam.
Onanuga took direct aim at several of them, alleging political opportunism and failed ambitions.
He said Amaechi effectively distanced himself from APC after losing the 2022 presidential primary, while Malami exited the party after his failed Kebbi governorship bid.
He described Aregbesola as a “renegade” expelled for anti-party activities during the last Osun governorship election, and noted that Hadi Sirika, also linked to the coalition, is currently facing trial for alleged contract fraud.
He added that figures like Oyegun and Imam are simply “disgruntled politicians posturing as saviours” after losing out within the APC.
Onanuga urged Nigerians not to be deceived by the coalition, warning that its members are more interested in political power than national progress.
“My advice to Nigerians: Shine your eyes. A political party with no clear ideology and united only by hatred for President Tinubu cannot offer meaningful leadership. It will only drag Nigeria backward,” he said.
