Former federal lawmaker and human rights activist, Senator Shehu Sani, says recent opposition movements and criticisms of President Bola Tinubu’s government are not grounded in genuine public interest but driven by personal frustration, exclusion from power, and failed political ambition.
The former Kaduna senator, who made a guest appearance on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Wednesday, noted that most opposition leaders today are “simply disgruntled” politicians who were once part of the same political establishment they now criticise.
“When you have a group of disgruntled elements who are frustrated and come together, it’s not about the country or the people — it is simply about being excluded from the system,” he stated.
Sani dismissed claims that ideological differences separate the opposition from the ruling party, saying they are all from the same elite class.
“It’s not that they are now Marxists or trade unionists confronting a capitalist order — they’re all from the same bourgeois political class.
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“They use every opportunity to weaponise our challenges and present themselves as a better alternative, but many of them have been in power since 1999.”
He criticised ongoing efforts by opposition leaders, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, to build a coalition against Tinubu ahead of 2027.
Atiku, who has run for the presidency six times, has recently reached out to political heavyweights, including Peter Obi and former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El-Rufai.
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Tinubu Not To Blame For Opposition Crisis
A combo of Shehu Sani and President Tinubu
Responding to coalition talks and internal crises within political parties, Sani said it is irresponsible to blame the president for problems rooted within the opposition’s own ranks.
“It’s unfortunate that the opposition is looking to the president to solve their problems. If there’s a problem in the PDP, NNPP, SDP or any party, and you have members working against the party but refuse to expel or suspend them — then turn to blame the president — that is irresponsible.
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“PDP, NNPP, LP, and SDP should fix their internal problems and stop looking toward the president. Only then can they play the role of a functional opposition,” he said.
COMBO photos of Atiku, Tinubu, Obi and Kwankwaso
According to Sani, it would be naive for anyone to expect the president to resolve crises in rival parties.
READ ALSO: 2027 Poll: Planned Coalition Will Only Give Tinubu Return Ticket, Says Sowore
“As president of the ruling party, he cannot be expected to fix the very machine that would be turned against him politically. It is a political strategy — just like in football — you want your opponent distracted with internal problems.”
June 12 Struggle
Late Moshood Abiola, acclaimed winner of the 1993 June 12 presidential election.
Sani also referenced the June 12 Democracy Day award and national history, describing the honour as a call to sacrifice, not a personal celebration.
He commended President Tinubu’s contributions to the June 12 struggle, calling it “unequalled and unparalleled.”
“Tinubu played a pivotal role in triggering a national uprising that led to the redefinition of June 12 decades after. This award is not about us but about June 12. It is an encouragement for Nigerians to make sacrifices,” he said.
Sani noted that a man who once funded and joined pro-democracy protests should now lead a government that is tolerant of dissent.
“Someone who supported, funded, and participated in protests should have a government that is tolerant of protestation,” Sani stated.
File photo of former Head of state, General Sani Abacha
He dismissed claims that Tinubu collaborated with the late military dictator Sani Abacha.
On those comparing Tinubu’s government to military rule, the former senator said such assessments are misleading and lack objectivity.
“Those comparing Tinubu’s government to military rule are being economical with the truth. It was virtually impossible for us then to organise protests or conferences.
“Some of us went to jail, into exile, and lost loved ones. When people comfortably sit in their living rooms and call this regime a dictatorship, we simply laugh. It’s not true,” he said.
The senator added that what Nigeria has today, while imperfect, is far better than the past.
“You cannot say what we have today is worse than military rule. Democracy is not yet 100 per cent, but we are very far from where we came from, and we can do better from here,” he said.
Weighing on the Rivers State crisis and President Tinubu’s emergency declaration, Sani called for political dialogue rather than extreme measures.
“The idea of a state of emergency is just an attempt to find a solution and create space for them to dialogue,” he noted.
In March, the president declared a state of emergency in the oil-rich state and suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy, Ngozi Odu, and all elected members of the state House of Assembly for six months. He appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ette Ibas as the state’s administrator to oversee governance.