The National Coordinator of The Disciples of Jagaban, Honourable Comrade Abdulhakeem Adegoke Alawuje, has described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as one of Nigeria’s most experienced and influential political figures of contemporary times.
Alawuje, in a statement issued on Wednesday, urged Nigerians to assess political leaders and alternatives based on competence, experience, ideas and measurable value rather than sentiments, ethnic considerations or political loyalty.
He acknowledged that no government or political leader was perfect, stressing that criticism, disagreement and opposition remained legitimate components of a democratic society.
According to him, however, political opposition should go beyond criticising the government by presenting Nigerians with clear, realistic and convincing alternatives capable of addressing the country’s challenges.
‘I am not saying President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is perfect. No leader is perfect. The important question is whether those presenting themselves as alternatives have been able to convince Nigerians, beyond sentiments and political loyalty, that they have a better and more realistic plan for the country,’ he said.
Alawuje said the political experience accumulated by Tinubu over several decades remained an important factor Nigerians should consider when assessing his administration and the country’s broader political landscape.
He challenged supporters of major opposition figures, particularly Alhaji Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi, to engage in substantive debates on policies, programmes, experience, governance and their respective visions for Nigeria rather than relying mainly on political rhetoric.
The National Coordinator also urged politicians and their supporters to avoid rhetoric capable of deepening ethnic, religious and political divisions, while expressing concern over attempts to involve foreign governments or political figures in Nigeria’s domestic political disagreements.
‘Nigeria is a sovereign nation. We can disagree among ourselves, criticise our government, challenge policies, and demand accountability. But our political disagreements should not become an invitation for external forces to determine our domestic political affairs,’ he stated.
Alawuje maintained that the opposition had an important role to play in strengthening Nigeria’s democracy, provided it remained constructive and focused on offering credible alternatives, adding that supporting Tinubu should not mean refusing to acknowledge shortcomings in government, just as opposing the administration should not mean wishing the country failure.
He called on Nigerians to focus political debates on competence, character, policy, experience, accountability, economic development, national unity, security and citizens’ welfare, stressing that ‘grumbling is allowed, criticism is allowed, opposition is allowed, but patriotism must remain paramount.’ He reaffirmed The Disciples of Jagaban’s commitment to democratic participation, responsible political engagement and the promotion of national development.