The coalition that conquers must be dexterously crafted
For any coalition or alliance to be successful, certain key elements must be in place.One could easily envisage a tough encounter ahead of the amalgamation taking cognisance of the perilous frontiers they’re aiming to conquer. Knowing the dangers of the terrain, it is commonly believed that any coalition against the present regime is like a precarious incursion into a most unpredictable battlefield. For them to be formidable enough for this engagement, trust, harmony and focus must be treated as strong demands and not as options, otherwise, it would be a suicidal mission.
Successful coalitions are basically built on strong relationships, clear purpose added to willing disposition to constructive compromises. Other fundamentals include shared goals, effective communication, and commitment to inclusivity and transparency. A functional mechanism for constructive management of disagreements/conflicts is also indispensable. This is towards ensuring that all stakeholders feel valued and respected. Coalitions are formed when diverse groups recognize shared interests, and identify common goals. Being rooted on mutual trust and sticking to the objectives are equally among the key prerequisites if a coalition is formed to thrive over time and survive many seasons
Religiously adhering to these principles surely heightens the chances of success and triumph. Now looking at the coalition and the potentials, their composition, and the public perception for the concept, vis-a-vis the present political landscape and climate. There is a lot of work for them to do, which is why it is not going to be a tea party nor is the engagement for the lily-livered. It will take wits and guts to deliver! It is foolish to challenge an orangutan to a wrestling match without first finding out what it takes to put it to deep sleep, and then tie its hands and feet before the opening whistle! To reduce a cobra to a plaything before killing it without wasting your gunpowder; you must devise a way to take it up to a battleground in space. To do this; you must develop the mesmerizing dexterity of the eagle by which it remains the nemesis of the cunning and dangerous reptile! Minus the eagle, none engages a predatory snake in its territory empty-handed!
There is enormous work for the coalition to do! Someone already said somewhere that the coalition needs to carry out major underground remaking, and then condition their minds for inevitable contingent renovations as the journey progresses. And here is my package of passionate contribution for the coalition as they brainstorm on the safest route for this journey. I pray the following pertinent additions will make some good differences.
Let me start with admitting that Nigeria is terribly plagued with hydra-headed political, structural and economic maladministration/strangulating misrule which had resultantly thrown her into a horrible pit of multidimensional tensions and disarray. That a passionate and committed rescue team is desperately needed is no longer the question. The question now is; how prepared is the rescue team? Beyond the imperatives of the decisive overhauls already suggested by some keen watchers, the emerging coalition must adhere to a number of cardinal fundamentals if it is a serious alliance on a rescue mission.
(1) As immodest and as fanatical this position may sound or appear, Peter Obi remains the only redeeming face for the survival and for the possible triumph of the coalition. I boldly and unwaveringly posit that only such a pragmatic/strategic technical framework can give the alliance the structural foundation needed to wade through the coming political storms, and possibly emerge victorious. Truth be told; all other faces seen in the coalition are offensive faces that only remind the traumatized Nigerians of their successive nightmares and serial horrors. Minus Peter Obi, they don’t have whatever it takes to attract the attention of sane and responsible Nigerians. Of course, the most they can get is the regular charlatans who are normally positioned for hire at the political job marketplace. It is very obvious that all things being equal with the relevant institutions, such insignificant cluster of political jobbers cannot make the massive number required by the coalition for the expected finish. Without any iota of doubt or variation, the masses are only looking the direction of the coalition just because Peter Obi is strategically embedded among them.
(2) Atiku must face the acerbic reality this time around if this coalition must go to town. He must concentrate the marginal residue of his political relevance on garnering supports from his regional constituencies for the coalition’s stability. I believe he doesn’t need to be told anymore that he is now at the twilight of his political evolution and the sun of his relevance is fast eclipsing. He must therefore stay away from anywhere near the driver’s seat. He must never nurse the idea of “Okwute Ndigbo” deputizing him; the tail does not wag the dog!
(3) For the coalition to have the national/international appeal and goodwill needed for its meaningful projection/acceptability, Peter Obi must be the one wielding the presidential ticket. He must not struggle for it with anyone; east, west, north or south, or else the coalition will melt away like an icecube upon a rooftop on a sunny day. Anything short of abiding with this critical template will only make the coalition a giant scarecrow abandoned in a windy farmland which the wind would eventually blow away and the thieves would return. Putting it emphatically, Atiku has lost all his accrued opportunities to do any magic in Nigeria because of selfishness. There is not much chance remaining for him to do anything mind-blowing politically. Nigerians were disappointed in him when he contested against Buhari and was rigged out. We didn’t see sustained, extrinsic forceful push in his legal challenge of the electoral injustice.
Atiku is a lukewarm political actor, therefore a very unsuitable captain for the current highly-exigent political voyage. As for Peter Obi; he has no rival in the camp. He is the only spotless material in the lineup. He is the only visible, vocal, audible, and consistent opposition voice in the field owing to his impeccable moral credential. His social capital spreads and reverberates beyond Nigeria and African shores. As of today, he is the only Nigerian political figure whose smiles, coughs and hisses rattles and unsettles Aso Rock. Give it to Okwute Ndigbo; he’s Nigeria’s political tsunami of today. For Goodness’ sake, a consensus presidential ticket for such a man shouldn’t be a subject of debate in the present coalition.
(4) The think-tank of the coalition must factor that the coalition as it were is still in the womb; any structural or technical miscalculation would result either in a miscarriage or a stillbirth. They must tread with caution!
(5) As rightly noted by many; the coalition must realize that they are up against a daredevil, ruthless and monstrous incumbent; hence they must be strategically preemptive, tactically combative and operationally daring. Darkness does not drive away darkness! To be able to dislodge the darkness in power, the coalition must abandon their old syncretic ways and become true messengers of light, otherwise, the demons currently in control will deal with them the same way the sons of Sceva were dealt with by the demons they attempted to cast out. Please consult your Bible!
(6) Wisdom is profitable! This coalition must be conscious of their internal intelligence, security and coordination. It is not a secret that the monster in power is dangerously sly. He is a master in planting moles among oppositions to destabilize and destroy them from inside. He values such clandestine assignments, and he’s disposed to paying heavily for them.
(7) The coalition must not repose their undivided confidence in the extant institutions as presently positioned and preoccupied; namely the electoral umpire, the armed forces, the law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary. They have all become arms and legs of the spearhead of the iron throne. Trust them to your own perils!
It is a public knowledge that the indices/the outcries from both common citizens and high profile circles are indicative of institutional biases and compromises, powered by “influences from above”. They are private properties apparently; a most tragic irony! It has become crystal clear that the present regime has completely destroyed institutional professionalism. Reason; the destruction suits their selfish interests; national interests have become afterthoughts.
Underestimate all Machiavellis to your own undoing! Therefore; any alliance, effort or planning that trivializes this pivotal institutional aspect of the 2027 elections shall surely see a regrettable repeat of the 2023 “go-to-court episode.If you want to deal with a monster; get sincerely prepared, get armed with virtue, and maintain focus on your reason! Patriotism begins with telling your fellow compatriots the redeeming truth; this is the saving truth in the present circumstance!
