*Urges Clear Manifesto

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) cannot determine who constitutes Nigeria’s main opposition, Professor of Strategy and Development, Anthony Kila, has said, insisting that it is the Nigerian electorate that ultimately decides that through the ballot.

Kila made the remarks during an appearance on Arise TV Morning Show, where he addressed the growing political momentum around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to him, while political parties are free to project themselves as viable alternatives, it is not within the powers of the ruling party to designate or endorse who its main challenger should be.

“The APC cannot choose who the main opposition is,” he said, adding that “every political party has the right to present itself as the credible alternative, and Nigerians will decide on election day.”

Kila, however, noted that based on current political realities, the ADC appears to be the most robust opposition platform at the moment, particularly in light of internal crises affecting other opposition parties.

He pointed out that the weakening of parties such as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), due to factional disputes and conflicting political alignments, has created an opening for the ADC to position itself as a credible alternative.

Despite this, the professor cautioned that the ADC must go beyond political rhetoric if it hopes to gain widespread public trust. He stressed that the party must present clear policy alternatives, a compelling manifesto, and a distinct governance approach capable of persuading Nigerians to vote for it.

“The way for the opposition to succeed is to bring out alternative projects and a clear-cut manifesto that will persuade people,” he said.

Kila also acknowledged structural challenges facing the ADC, noting that the ruling APC currently enjoys a significant advantage in terms of nationwide political structure and stability, having not experienced major internal disruptions.

While he admitted that the ADC lacks comparable grassroots structures, he maintained that the challenge is not insurmountable if the party mobilises capable and committed individuals.

On internal crises within opposition parties, Kila dismissed claims that there is concrete evidence linking the APC to the instability, though he admitted that observable patterns have raised concerns.

He explained that while there may not be direct proof of interference, the recurring nature of internal conflicts within opposition parties often benefits the ruling party, making the situation complex.

He further criticised the Nigerian political class, attributing many of the challenges to weak ideological commitment, lack of internal discipline, and personality-driven politics rather than policy-based disagreements.

According to him, most political disputes in Nigeria are not rooted in ideological differences but in competition for positions and influence.

“You rarely see disagreements based on policy. It is often about positions, not ideas,” he noted.

Kila also raised concerns about leadership quality within political parties, stressing the need for competence, character, and vision among party leaders to ensure stability and credibility.

On the issue of political coalition within the ADC, he described the party as “a barracks with many generals,” referencing the influx of prominent political figures into its fold.

“ADC is a barracks with many generals; I hope they get soldiers,” he remarked, suggesting that while the party has attracted influential personalities, it must also build grassroots support to be electorally viable.

He further emphasised the importance of a vibrant opposition in sustaining democracy, warning against the dangers of a one-party state.

According to him, even those in power have a responsibility to ensure that opposition parties are allowed to function effectively in the interest of democratic balance.

Kila concluded that while the ADC currently stands as a leading opposition force, its future success will depend on its ability to transform its political momentum into a structured, policy-driven movement capable of winning public confidence.

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