The South-South Youth Amalgamation (SSYA), has voiced strong reservations over the newly formed political coalition between the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and prominent political figures, including former Senate President David Mark and former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
The SSYA emphasized that Nigeria’s political trajectory is shaped not by the personal ambitions of a few, but by the will of the people and a tradition that reflects the country’s federal character and democratic values.
In a statement signed by its Chairman, John Alber Carlkson, the group acknowledged the democratic right of political actors to form alliances but questioned the motives and viability of this particular coalition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Carlkson said: “While we acknowledge the right of individuals and groups to pursue political alliances, we must express our grave concerns regarding the motivations and viability of this particular coalition.
“At the heart of this new alliance lies an inordinate ambition that appears to prioritize personal gain over the collective good of the Nigerian populace. It is imperative to recognize that the coalition lacks the necessary capacity to unseat President Bola Tinubu in the upcoming 2027 elections.
“The political landscape of Nigeria is not merely a chessboard for the ambitions of a few; it is a complex system governed by historical precedents and the will of the people. The principle that has long guided the pendulum of power in Nigeria is clear: after eight years of leadership from the North, the mantle of governance returns to the South. This cycle is not merely a matter of tradition; it reflects the democratic will of the Nigerian electorate.
“The SSYA firmly believes that the ADC coalition, despite its claims, cannot alter this established order. The coalition’s leaders may possess titles and past positions, but their track record raises serious questions about their ability to affect meaningful change.
“We must not forget the context in which these individuals have operated. The political atmosphere is littered with the remnants of their previous endeavors, parties and movements that suffered under their leadership and strategic miscalculations.
“The SSYA is concerned that the same destructive attitudes that led to their erstwhile parties’ decline are now being imported into the ADC. Their arrival is marked not by humility or a commitment to collaboration, but rather by a brash assertion of their importance, as if the ADC was devoid of talent and vision prior to their involvement.
“The people of Nigeria deserve better than to be subjected to the whims of a coalition that has demonstrated a penchant for self-serving politics. It is disheartening to witness former leaders, who have had ample opportunities to contribute positively to their communities, now scrambling for relevance by aligning themselves with a new party. Their actions suggest a lack of genuine commitment to the progress of the nation and an alarming disregard for the principles of accountability and transparency.”
Citing past political missteps by individuals such as Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Abubakar Malami, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Sule Lamido, Rauf Aregbesola, and Rotimi Amaechi, the SSYA argued that many of these figures had failed to deliver credible developmental milestones during their tenures.
He added, “Who will follow these individuals into the future? The SSYA believes that the Nigerian electorate is increasingly discerning and will not be swayed by mere rhetoric.
“The evidence of their past performances of Atiku Abubakar, David Mark, Abubakar Malami, Nasir El-Rufai, Peter Obi, Sule Lamido, Rauf Aregbesola and Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi is scant, and the development they claim to have fostered during their tenures remains unsubstantiated.
“The people of Nigeria are not easily fooled; they seek leaders who have demonstrated integrity, vision, and a genuine commitment to national progress. As we move towards the 2027 elections, it is crucial for the Nigerian populace to remain vigilant and discerning.
“The SSYA calls upon our fellow citizens to critically evaluate the motivations behind this coalition and to resist the allure of superficial alliances that lack substantive merit. The political future of our great nation should not be left to the whims of those who prioritize personal ambition over collective progress.
“The South-South Youth Amalgamation stands firm in its belief that the ADC coalition, as currently constituted, is not a viable alternative to the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.”
They also urge Nigerians to focus their attention on leaders who genuinely represent their interests and who are committed to the development of our nation. “Let us not be distracted by the noise of inordinate ambition, but rather remain steadfast in our pursuit of a brighter future for all.”
