APC Will Gang Up Against the Opposition Just Like We United to Bring Down Jonathan’s Government, Farouk Aliyu Declares

 

Former Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu, has made bold claims regarding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and its strategy for the upcoming political battles. Speaking in an interview on Arise News, the seasoned politician stated unequivocally that the APC is prepared to rally its forces in the same way it did when it successfully removed former President Goodluck Jonathan from power in 2015.

Aliyu, a prominent figure in the APC, emphasized the importance of party unity and reaffirmed the readiness of party loyalists to protect President Bola Tinubu’s chances of re-election. His remarks come amid growing signs of political realignment and dissent within and outside the ruling party.

During the interview, Aliyu recounted how the APC was originally formed through a strong coalition of opposition figures from various parties and regions, united by a common goal to dethrone the then-incumbent Jonathan. He said that spirit of collective purpose still exists and would be revived to counter any attempt to weaken the current administration or disrupt the party’s dominance.

“We used to be one family, one party, one people. You remember when all those people who are now outside the APC joined forces with us to bring down Goodluck Jonathan. That is exactly what happened,” he said.

Aliyu made it clear that anyone plotting to prevent President Tinubu from winning a second term is wasting their time. According to him, the APC will not stand by and allow opposition forces to take advantage of internal divisions or public dissatisfaction to undermine the current leadership.

Certain individuals, he noted, are working from behind the scenes with the intention of discrediting Tinubu and the APC. However, he warned that those efforts will be met with strong political resistance.

“That’s politics,” Aliyu stated. “We shall do everything possible to ensure they don’t even rear their heads.”

Despite the aggressive stance, Aliyu was quick to clarify that the APC welcomes opposition in a democratic context. He acknowledged that democracy thrives on healthy political competition and that Nigerians should not be deprived of alternative voices. Yet, he maintained that the APC would not allow the opposition to gain a foothold strong enough to challenge the ruling party’s hold on power.

As someone with deep experience in legislative opposition himself, Aliyu reflected on his earlier years in the National Assembly. He explained that his role as Minority Leader between 2003 and 2007 gave him insight into the importance of holding the ruling government accountable.

“We opposed the government of the day constructively. We made sure we kept them on their toes,” he said. “There is no democracy without opposition. We don’t have a problem with anyone opposing us, as long as it is done responsibly.”

Aliyu appealed for a higher level of political maturity among Nigerian politicians and their supporters. He condemned divisive rhetoric, religious tensions, and the personal insults that often characterize modern political debates. According to him, the political elite across party lines are more united than many citizens realize.

“The elites are one and the same,” he said. “At our level, there is no Muslim or Christian. At the elite level, we are not enemies.”

He pointed to his personal relationships with politicians from across Nigeria, such as Hon. Emeka Nwajuba, to illustrate that political differences do not have to turn into personal rivalries.

Aliyu’s remarks suggest a reinvigorated political strategy for the APC as the nation approaches the next election cycle. By invoking the memory of how the party once united to defeat an entrenched incumbent, he seeks to inspire party members to close ranks and rally behind Tinubu.

The former lawmaker concluded by emphasizing that while politics may be tough, it should never descend into chaos or insult. He called for respect among political opponents and stressed that the ultimate goal should always be to move the country forward, regardless of who holds power.

As political tensions simmer and alliances shift across Nigeria’s landscape, Aliyu’s message is a reminder of the raw, tactical nature of Nigerian politics, where party unity and calculated alliances often determine who wields influence at the center.