A civil society organization, The Democracy Watch Initiative, has strongly condemned the newly-formed political coalition between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, calling it an attempt by failed politicians to deceive Nigerians and rebrand themselves as defenders of democracy.
In a statement issued on Sunday, AbdulRazak Ahmed, DWI’s Director of Strategic Communication, dismissed the coalition, stating that it was nothing more than a ploy by individuals seeking to repackage their political image.
The group expressed deep concern about the involvement of these figures in shaping Nigeria’s governance, pointing out that they have been instrumental in creating the very crises they now claim to address.
“The Democracy Watch Initiative (DWI) notes with grave concern that since 1999, political figures such as Atiku Abubakar and Nasir El-Rufai have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigeria’s governance landscape, often contributing to the very crises they now seek to address,” the statement read.
DWI accused Atiku and El-Rufai of being key players in past administrations that made controversial economic decisions, including mismanagement of fuel subsidies, which the group claims worsened economic hardship for Nigerians. The statement further criticized the pair for facilitating the mismanagement of national resources and undermining national security, which resulted in widespread violence and the displacement of many communities.
“Furthermore, these leaders have witnessed, and arguably facilitated, the plundering of national resources and a significant compromise of national security, resulting in widespread violence and the displacement of countless communities,” the statement continued.
The civil society group also questioned the sincerity of the new coalition, highlighting the involvement of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation Babachir Lawal. DWI argued that individuals in the coalition were part of the same system they now criticize, questioning their true motivations.
“It is essential for Nigerians to remember that these politicians were not merely bystanders in the political process; they were key players who benefited from the very systems they now denounce,” DWI stated.
The group also condemned the coalition’s opposition to recent political developments, specifically the State of Emergency imposed in Rivers State. DWI characterized their condemnation as an attempt to position themselves as defenders of democracy, calling the actions of Atiku and El-Rufai “shameless and embarrassing.”
“In a misguided effort to position themselves as champions of democracy, Atiku and his companions have condemned the State of Emergency imposed on Rivers State, labeling it unconstitutional. Yet, it is both shameless and embarrassing for leaders like Atiku and El-Rufai, who once thrived under the very system they now criticize, to present themselves as saviors of Nigerian democracy,” the statement said.
DWI urged Nigerians to be cautious and not fall for what it described as “hollow promises” from members of the coalition. The organization emphasized the need for leadership that genuinely prioritizes the needs of the people over personal ambition.
“The Democracy Watch Initiative serves as a crucial reminder to Nigerians that these individuals lack the competence and moral authority to lead. Their track record is marred by complicity in decisions that have led to the current state of despair in Nigeria,” the group concluded.
The statement closed by rejecting the coalition as a “desperate grasp for power” and calling for fresh leadership in Nigeria. DWI emphasized the importance of ensuring that those who have failed the country do not return to power.
“The future of our nation demands leaders who prioritize the needs of the people over their own ambitions, and it is our collective responsibility to ensure that those who have failed us do not return to power,” the statement added.
