WHEN A PRESIDENT FAILS TO PROSECUTE CORRUPT POLITICIANS, THEY FORM COALITIONS TO DETHRONE HIM
SEASON 4.
In a nation where accountability is weak and political will is compromised, thieves become emboldened. Instead of facing the law, they regroup, rebrand, and form coalitions aimed at destabilizing any administration that refuses to protect their interests. This is the current threat Nigeria faces as we witness the emergence of an unholy alliance among political figures who have, over the years, contributed immensely to the nation's underdevelopment, looting, and systemic decay.
Let’s take a closer look at some of these actors:
1. Atiku Abubakar – Former Vice President (1999–2007)
Atiku, during his tenure under President Olusegun Obasanjo, spearheaded the privatization of government institutions. Most of these sales were allegedly directed to friends, associates, and family members at undervalued prices. Till today, many of those once-thriving public enterprises are either comatose or nonexistent. He also had a longstanding power tussle with Obasanjo, contributing to a deeply fractured presidency and political instability during a crucial democratic transition.
2. Nasir El-Rufai – Former Governor of Kaduna State (2015–2023) & Former FCT Minister
El-Rufai’s tenure as Kaduna State governor was marred by deep sectarian divisions, widely condemned utterances, and the systemic marginalization of Christians and Southern Kaduna communities. Under his administration, Kaduna witnessed some of the bloodiest farmer-herder conflicts and unchecked kidnappings. As Minister of the Federal Capital Territory under Obasanjo, he was accused of illegal land allocations and favoritism. Till date, there’s little to show in terms of inclusive governance or peacebuilding from his era.
3. Rotimi Amaechi – Former Governor of Rivers State (2007–2015), Former Minister of Transportation (2015–2022)
Amaechi was once a political juggernaut in the Niger Delta. But his name has often come up in serious allegations of financial misappropriation. As minister, he supervised multi-billion-naira rail projects, yet there remains a lack of transparency in many of the contracts awarded. It was also widely reported that his wife received ₦4 billion monthly from the NDDC for an entire year under the guise of “women empowerment,” with no commensurate impact on the ground.
4. David Mark – Former Senate President (2007–2015), Former Governor of Niger State (Military Regime)
David Mark is a veteran of the system. Having served both as a military governor and Senate president, his long stay in power produced little transformation. Under his Senate leadership, the National Assembly became synonymous with jumbo pay, excessive budget padding, and lack of transparency. He presided over one of the most disconnected legislative assemblies from the realities of the average Nigerian.
THE BITTER TRUTH
None of these men, despite having over a decade of influence in various arms of government—be it executive or legislative—made lasting, transformative contributions to the nation. Yet today, they present themselves as saviors through coalitions built not on ideology or patriotism, but on bitterness, entitlement, and a fear of being probed.
Every time a Southerner assumes the presidency with a vision of reforms, certain Northern elites regroup, manipulate sentiments, and deploy every means to frustrate the process—just like what we are seeing now. It is not about love for Nigeria. It is about power preservation and resource control.
THE PRESIDENT MUST ACT DECISIVELY
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must understand that keeping silent while these characters reorganize themselves poses a grave threat to his administration and the Nigerian state. Prosecution must no longer be selective. Those who have abused their offices, irrespective of political affiliation, must be held accountable.
The coalition of Atiku, El-Rufai, Amaechi, and others is not built on national interest—it is a cabal fighting to protect old loot and return to power by any means. If this administration fails to act swiftly and boldly, the future of Nigeria will again be handed over to the very people who nearly destroyed it.
Let justice begin. Let the investigations start. Let the prosecutions be seen and heard. Otherwise, history will remember this government as one that watched thieves unite while the nation bled.
_Comrade Abu Michael, a social activist, theologian, policy political/political analyst, and blogger writes from Orhionmwon LGA, Edo State_
