A former National Commissioner at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Lai Olurode has noted the recent meeting between Peter Obi of the Labour Party and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the PDP as a significant step towards a strategic merger aimed at the 2027 elections.
The professor of sociology stated that if both parties are serious about dislodging the APC, they must be ready to set aside personal ambitions for the greater good.
“In politics, nothing is impossible once one group is willing to forgo its selfish interest,” he stated during an exclusive interview with the Guardian.
Olurode recalled the strategic alliance that led to the APC’s victory in 2015, noting that such a merger requires the opposition parties to pool their political and economic resources effectively. He pointed out that this strategy could offer Nigerian voters a clear alternative to the APC, potentially leading to a more competitive political environment.
The professor emphasized the necessity for sacrifice, suggesting that leading figures like Atiku and Obi might need to step back to support a younger, more formidable candidate.
“If the goal is to seek power, then they have to sacrifice some things,” he said, highlighting the sacrifices made by the defunct ACN during the formation of the APC.
He however advised against simple alliances, advocating instead for a full merger. He cited historical examples where alliances in Nigerian politics fell apart, whereas the APC’s merger stood the test of time.
“From what I have seen, merger has worked. The 2013 case of the APC offers a classical example,” he remarked.
Despite the potential benefits, Olurode expressed concerns about the long-term feasibility of such a merger, particularly regarding identity and regional balance. He also questioned whether the fervor of the Obidients, a movement that rallied behind Peter Obi in the 2023 elections, could be rekindled for a future coalition.
Commenting on the current opposition role of the PDP and Labour Party, Olurode critiqued their effectiveness compared to the APC’s robust opposition strategy under Alhaji Lai Mohammed. He urged both parties to strengthen their opposition tactics to better challenge the APC.
