Politics
Fear and Fascism: Why Nigeria’s Ruling Class Fears the ADC Coalition
Fear and Fascism: Why Nigeria’s Ruling Class Fears the ADC Coalition.
By George Omagbemi Sylvester | Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
In a nation purportedly run under the rule of law, democratic principles and political plurality, what do we call a situation where a government becomes jittery at the mere announcement of a coalition? Where security agencies begin targeting event centres simply because opposition figures are gathering? Where fresh factions are immediately stirred within a party the coalition adopts? One word fits perfectly: TYRANNY.
The recent surge of fear and panic within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) over the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Coalition for Revolution is not only suspicious; it is shameful and undemocratic. The coalition is barely operational, yet the reaction from the ruling establishment has been alarmingly disproportionate. This government appears terrified; not of GUNS, not of WAR, but of UNITY. It tells us one thing: the ruling party knows its time is up.
The FRAGILE Ego of POWER.
For a party that has consistently boasted of controlling the majority of state governors, National Assembly members and even local government chairpersons, why then is the APC so rattled by a coalition of frustrated opposition elements and civil society actors? Why is the federal government deploying intimidation tactics rather than welcoming political competition as a hallmark of democracy?
In a sane and functioning democracy, opposition coalitions are celebrated as a sign of political maturity. In Nigeria, it has become a crime to think differently or organize legitimately. Even the event centre billed to host the ADC Coalition unveiling was allegedly threatened with closure by unnamed agents of the state; a pattern disturbingly reminiscent of military dictatorship.
A Government That Knows It Has Failed
This fear is not accidental. It is born from guilt, failure and the burden of unmet promises. Nigeria under the APC has become a global embarrassment. According to the National Bureau of Statistics, over 133 million Nigerians are living in multidimensional poverty. Unemployment is at a record high, with youth unemployment hovering around 53%, while inflation has crossed the 34% mark as of June 2025.
Why wouldn’t the ruling party fear a coalition when the people are angry, the economy is crashing and even their own governors are silently defecting or disassociating themselves from the party’s failures?
The recent wave of governors defecting to the ruling party is not out of loyalty or ideological alignment; it is pure political survival. These governors are seeking to avoid the EFCC knock on their gates or to secure future ambitions. Beneath these defections, the ordinary people are still suffering, and this suffering is what the ADC Coalition seeks to confront.
Manufactured Factions: A Classic APC Playbook
Immediately after the coalition adopted the ADC as its political platform, a mysterious faction emerged claiming to be the “real ADC.” Sound familiar? That is the APC’s classic destabilization strategy. In the past, we saw the same tactic used against the PDP, the Labour Party and even internal dissenters within APC itself. Once a political party shows promise or dares to stand against the status quo, the ruling party sends in their agents to create chaos, confusion and fake leadership tussles.
According to Professor Jibrin Ibrahim, a renowned political scientist and columnist, “The Nigerian political elite thrives on destabilizing alternatives. Any emerging force that can inspire the people becomes an automatic enemy of the state.”
This is not democracy. This is fascism; where government manipulates everything from the judiciary to the police and now even private venues just to hold on to power.
Fear of a United People
Perhaps what scares this government the most is not the ADC Coalition in itself, but the idea of it, the possibility of Nigerian youths, professionals, disenchanted politicians and civil society organizations standing on one platform to say “ENOUGH is ENOUGH.”
For the first time in years, the ADC Coalition is bridging the ethnic, religious and regional divides that have been used as weapons of control. The coalition is becoming a symbol of collective frustration and national unity. It is not just another political party; it is an uprising in suits and sandals.
To quote Femi Falana (SAN), a fearless human rights advocate, “You can cage people with poverty, but the day they unite, your billion naira mansion won’t save you.”
The Real Reason Behind the Crackdown
So why did the government move to frustrate the ADC Coalition unveiling? It SEES the WRITING on the WALL. It FEARS what will happen when Nigerians stop fighting each other and begin fighting back at their real oppressors. It FEARS the embarrassment of facing a coalition that is not built on rigging, godfatherism or bullion vans, but on IDEAS, INTEGRITY and COURAGE.
Just like they feared the EndSARS protesters, this government fears anything ORGANIC, POPULAR and PEOPLE-DRIVEN. They FEAR history repeating itself. They FEAR the candlelight that could start a bonfire of POLITICAL REVOLUTION.
Even more, they FEAR that the upcoming 2027 elections may no longer be business as usual.
The Hypocrisy of the APC’s Power Grab.
Let us not forget: APC itself was a coalition. It came to power in 2015 through the merger of CPC, ACN, ANPP and factions of APGA and PDP. Yet, today, they are violently allergic to coalitions. Isn’t that the height of hypocrisy?
What changed? POWER did. The APC no longer wants fair elections. They now believe in “CAPTURE and CONQUER.” They FEAR the very process that birthed them because they know they can no longer win in a FREE and FAIR contest.
Now, they have resorted to bullying, suppression and faction-planting because they know that if Nigerians are given real options, they will choose competence over corruption, empathy over empire and revolution over repression.
The Road Ahead: Power to the People.
If the ruling party thinks it can stop this revolution by sabotaging an event venue or promoting fake factions, it is grossly underestimating the anger in the land. Nigerians are not just hungry for food; they are starving for justice, governance and accountability.
Let it be known: REVOLUTIONS don’t need air-conditioned halls. They don’t need television coverage. They only need one spark and the ADC Coalition may just be that spark.
In the words of Thomas Sankara, “You cannot kill ideas. Ideas don’t die.” And no amount of intimidation, propaganda or betrayal can kill the idea that Nigeria deserves better.
Final Thought on This.
The fear exhibited by this government is a sign of WEAKNESS not STRENGTH. It is a loud confession that they have lost the people. History has shown us that when a government loses the people, its end is near.
Let the ruling elite tremble. Let their agents panic. The ADC Coalition is not their biggest problem. The Nigerian people are.
Let the REVOLUTION begin.
Written by George Omagbemi Sylvester
Published by SaharaWeeklyNG.com
Politics
APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition
*APC Group Endorses Fubara for 2027, Calls on Tinubu and APC to Prioritise Performance Over Politics in Backing Governor’s Second Term Ambition*
The APC National Vanguard has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to support a second term in office for Siminalayi Fubara, citing what it described as “impressive and verifiable developmental strides” across Rivers State.
In a statement issued on Thursday by its National President, Dr Gbenga Salam (JP), the group said its position followed an extensive assessment tour of key infrastructure and public service projects executed under the Fubara administration.
The APC National Vanguard said the appeal was based strictly on performance, arguing that governance outcomes should outweigh partisan considerations, particularly in a state as economically significant as Rivers.
“We respectfully urge President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the leadership of the All Progressives Congress to support the continuity of Governor Siminalayi Fubara beyond his current tenure, in recognition of his commitment to development, prudent resource management, and people-focused governance,” the statement read.
According to the group, its delegation visited multiple project sites across the state, observing ongoing and completed works spanning road construction, urban renewal, and public infrastructure upgrades.
It noted that the scale and distribution of these projects reflect a deliberate effort by the state government to extend development beyond traditional urban centres and into underserved communities.
“Our findings from the tour reveal a government that is not only active but intentional in its development agenda. The execution of capital projects across various parts of Rivers State demonstrates a clear understanding of the needs of the people and a commitment to addressing them,” Dr Salam said.
The group particularly commended what it described as prudent financial management by the administration, noting that the projects reviewed showed evidence of careful planning and efficient allocation of resources.
“At a time when economic pressures are evident across the country, it is commendable that the Rivers State government has managed its resources in a way that delivers visible and impactful development without signs of fiscal recklessness,” the statement added.
The APC National Vanguard further observed that despite political tensions in the state, the Fubara administration has maintained focus on governance, ensuring continuity in project execution and service delivery.
The group argued that such stability is critical for sustained development and should be encouraged rather than disrupted.
“Leadership must ultimately be judged by results. In Rivers State, there is clear evidence of progress—projects that are not only announced but executed, and policies that translate into real benefits for citizens,” Dr Salam noted.
The group warned that discontinuity in leadership could stall ongoing projects and reverse gains already recorded, stressing the importance of allowing a performing administration to consolidate its achievements.
“Rivers State is at a pivotal stage where continuity will allow for the completion of ongoing initiatives and the deepening of development gains. Supporting Governor Fubara for a second term is, therefore, a decision in the best interest of the people,” the statement said.
In addition to its call on the APC leadership, the group reaffirmed its support for President Tinubu, expressing confidence in his administration’s broader economic and governance reforms.
The APC group urged Nigerians to remain supportive of efforts aimed at stabilising the economy and strengthening public institutions.
“We reiterate our endorsement of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for a second term in office, in recognition of his leadership and commitment to national development. With sustained support, the administration can consolidate its reform agenda for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Dr Salam added.
The APC National Vanguard concluded by calling on political actors to prioritise development and public interest over partisan divides, insisting that governance should always be guided by performance and accountability.
“Where leadership demonstrates prudence, delivers development, and remains focused on the welfare of the people, it deserves continuity. This is the position we have reached after a careful and independent assessment of Rivers State,” the statement added.
*Renewed Hope Ambassadors Step Into the Next Phase
Fresh from the successful APC 2026 National Convention, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors National, Zonal, and State leadership gathered in Abuja over the weekend, for its fourth strategic meeting, setting the tone for nationwide grassroots activation ahead of 2027.
Chaired by Governor Hope Uzodinma (Imo State) the Director General and National Coordinator of the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, alongside Deputy Director-General, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State, and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State as Secretary, the session reinforced one clear direction: One Party. One Message. One Mobilization whilst also laying out a strategic roadmap for the activation of the network across all communities in Nigeria.
Backed by the strength of 31 APC-led states, the Renewed Hope Agenda is taking Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s message of progress and reform to every corner of Nigeria.
From bold economic restructuring to initiatives like NELFUND, the increase in the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000, and strategic investments in critical sectors, including PNiCGI, the mission remains clear: helping Nigerians understand both the purpose and the progress of the Renewed Hope vision.
This is coordination at scale. This is grassroots engagement with purpose. This is the next phase of Renewed Hope with One Party, One Message, and One Mobilisation framework
#RenewedHopeAmbassadors #APC #WeAreAPC
Governor Bago Inaugurates APC Digital Media Sub-Committee Ahead of National Convention.
Governor Umaru Bago has inaugurated the Digital Media Sub-Committee for the forthcoming National Convention of the All Progressives Congress (APC), scheduled to hold on March 27 and 28, 2026 in Abuja.
Chairing the sub-committee, Governor Bago tasked members with the responsibility of effectively communicating the party’s manifesto to the public.
He emphasized the need to leverage social media platforms to highlight the achievements and ongoing efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that communication gaps have posed challenges that must now be decisively addressed.
The Co-Chair of the sub-committee, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, echoed the Governor’s position, urging members to project the activities of both the party and the government to a broader audience.
He called for a deliberate and coordinated effort to showcase the party’s achievements and policy direction, stressing the importance of shaping a compelling and consistent narrative across all digital platforms.
Delivering a presentation to the committee, Otega Ogra, SSA to the President on New Media, who serves as Secretary of the sub-committee, outlined strategic focus areas to guide the team’s operations.
His presentation highlighted communication priorities and actionable steps to achieve the committee’s mandate and strengthen the party’s digital engagement.
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