Coalition of Necessity, Not Virtue: Sir Dickson Warns Only Peter Obi Can Legitimize This Coalition of Political Opposites

 

Coalition of Necessity: Political Survival and Strategic Sacrifices in the Race Toward 2027

As Nigeria barrels toward the next general elections, a peculiar coalition is beginning to take shape. It's not a partnership born of ideological alignment or national affection, but one sculpted by necessity and ambition. In the ever-turbulent waters of Nigerian politics, alliances are often dictated by strategy rather than sincerity, and the latest merger involving the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is no exception.

Seasoned political commentator Sir Dickson, known online as @Wizarab10, weighed in on the growing coalition with unflinching candor. His message was clear: these new allies should not be mistaken for saints. Their political histories are checkered, and their motivations are far from altruistic. The shift is not inspired by a genuine desire to rescue Nigeria, he argued, but rather by their exclusion from the corridors of power.

The current administration, led by the All Progressives Congress (APC), has seen dwindling approval among large swaths of the public. Many figures now joining the ADC ranks are doing so not out of patriotism but as a means to regain relevance. Their grievances stem not from injustice but from being locked out of power and its perks.

This coalition might feel uncomfortable, but it is calculated. As Dickson put it, "You don’t take a knife to a gun fight." Politics, particularly in Nigeria, is war by other means. Those entering the fray cannot afford to fight idealistic battles with empty hands. They must be pragmatic, and pragmatism sometimes looks like sitting across from your adversaries and negotiating terms.

The challenge, however, is managing trust. These new friendships, forged in the furnace of ambition, require long spoons for dining. Nigerians are painfully aware of the price they've paid in the past when expediency trumped principle. These coalition members are cutting deals, aiming for ministerial and ambassadorial slots before any votes are cast. The horse-trading has already begun, and the average voter may once again be reduced to a spectator.

Peter Obi, former Anambra State governor and 2023 presidential contender, remains the lone figure within the coalition to command genuine public trust. His reputation for frugality, competence, and integrity sets him apart. Many see him not only as the face of hope but also as the only candidate capable of challenging the APC's entrenched structure. If the coalition is to succeed in unseating the ruling party, it must do so with Obi at the helm. Anything less, observers believe, would collapse under the weight of its contradictions.

Dickson reminded readers of the wisdom of former U.S. President Barack Obama, who once said, “If the people cannot trust their government to do the job for which it exists – to protect them and to promote their common welfare – all else is lost.” That sentiment strikes at the heart of Nigeria’s current crisis. The political process must be more than just a vehicle for personal enrichment.

Yet, realpolitik often means working with those you'd rather avoid. As Ronald Reagan once stated, “The price for this freedom at times has been high, but we have never been unwilling to pay that price.” This coalition may be difficult to stomach, but for those who believe that defeating the APC is paramount, the discomfort becomes a necessary evil.

Despite all the wheeling and dealing, expectations for governance remain high. Many Nigerians are already expressing reservations about the possibility of recycled figures occupying sensitive government roles. Names like Akinwumi Adesina, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala (or her chosen appointees), and Yemi Osinbajo elicit approval from progressives and technocrats alike. Meanwhile, suggestions that figures like Nasir El-Rufai, Dino Melaye, Solomon Dalung, or Rauf Aregbesola might return to key posts are met with groans.

Ultimately, the struggle ahead is not only about removing a ruling party. It is about replacing it with a system that better reflects the hopes and needs of Nigerians. The gamble on this coalition may prove worthwhile, but only if it brings forth a candidate and a team rooted in service, not self-interest.

Peter Obi, for now, appears to be the only viable symbol of that promise. Whether he can navigate this murky terrain and emerge as the coalition’s flag bearer remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: if this grand alliance is to inspire, it must do more than swap chairs at the table. It must flip the table itself.