Says minister only grandstanding
By Daniel Abia
P/Harcourt
A chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Chief Eze Chukwuemeka Eze, has expressed concern over the recent statement credited to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, Barr Nyesom Wike, in which he reportedly boasted that former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, would never become President of Nigeria in 2027.
Wike allegedly boasted that he has the political structure to ensure that the ADC presidential candidate’s presidential ambition fails again in 2027.
In a statement made available to the media, Chief Eze described the claim as unfortunate, undemocratic, arrogant and reflective of a dangerous mindset that seeks to elevate one individual above the collective will of millions of Nigerians.
Eze stressed that in a democracy, no single politician, regardless of the position he occupies or perceived influence, possesses the power to determine who becomes President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
According to Eze, Nigerians should know whether the Minister is referring to a legitimate political structure built on the confidence, goodwill and support of the electorate or a structure allegedly anchored on the “manipulation of state institutions, intimidation of political opponents, deployment of security agencies, abuse of governmental powers and other anti-democratic practices that have over the years undermined the sanctity of the electoral process.
“It is important that Wike tells Nigerians what he means by structure. Is it the structure of the people or the structure of power? Is it a structure founded on democratic principles or one built around the intimidation of opponents and the manipulation of institutions? These are questions Nigerians deserve answers to,” Eze stated.
He noted that the hardship, hunger, insecurity, rising cost of living and economic uncertainty currently confronting Nigerians have fundamentally altered the political consciousness of the electorate, adding that the Nigerian people are increasingly determined to reclaim their country from leaders and political actors whose actions have contributed to the nation’s present challenges.
Eze maintained that the days when a few powerful individuals could sit in secluded political meetings and decide the fate of the nation are rapidly coming to an end. He argued that the growing political awareness among Nigerians, particularly the youth, will make it increasingly difficult for any politician to impose his personal preferences on the electorate.
The ADC stalwart further reminded that political influence is neither permanent nor absolute, noting that history is replete with examples of individuals who once considered themselves indispensable political forces but eventually discovered that power ultimately belongs to the people.
He warned against the dangerous illusion of political invincibility, stressing that no politician remains relevant forever and that the electorate possesses the ultimate authority to reward or reject leaders at the polls.
Eze stated that many Nigerians are still grappling with the consequences of the current administration’s policies and political decisions, which have worsened their economic conditions and diminished their confidence in government.
He argued that, rather than engaging in premature political chest-thumping, public office holders under the Tinubu regime should focus their energies on addressing the numerous challenges confronting ordinary citizens across the country.
He further emphasized that the 2027 presidential election will not be determined by boasts, threats, propaganda or political intimidation but by the collective judgment of Nigerians based on competence, credibility, vision and the capacity to rescue the nation from its present predicament.
The ADC chieftain expressed confidence that the army of patriotic Nigerians committed to democratic reforms and national development has provided a formidable platform – the ADC – a well-structured party, capable of challenging the current political order. He insisted that the political calculations that may have worked in previous election cycles cannot be relied upon as guarantees of future success.
“The unfortunate impression being created by Wike is that the destiny of Nigeria rests in his hands.
Nothing can be farther from the truth. Nigeria belongs to over Three hundred million citizens and not to one individual, no matter how highly placed. The occupant of Aso Rock in 2027 will be determined by Nigerians, not by the personal wishes of any political officeholder.
“Nobody owns Nigeria. Nobody has the monopoly of political relevance. Nobody possesses a private franchise over the Presidency of this country. The sovereign will of Nigerians remains supreme and will ultimately prevail over every scheme, every structure and every attempt to undermine the democratic choice of the people. The 2027 election will be decided by Nigerians and Nigerians alone,” Eze noted.
