Like APC’s Lai Mohammed, like ADC’s Bolaji Abdullahi

A few weeks ago, former minister, ex-commissioner, journalist and writer Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi stepped into the position of Interim National Publicity Secretary of Nigeria’s new coalition, the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

Between the time he assumed duties and now, the ADC spokesman has gradually warmed his way into the consciousness of Nigerians as he churns out press statements reminiscent of the early days of the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC), when Alhaji Lai Mohammed’s press releases resonated astoundingly with Nigerians, contributing in huge measure to the disaffection Nigerians felt towards the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) at the time.

It is interesting that both Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Mallam Bolaji Abdullahi are from Kwara State. The latter succeeded the former as APC spokesman in 2016 after Alhaji Mohammed became a minister.

Like Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Mallam Abdullahi’s press statements are also catching on like wildfire due to their ability to capture the essence of the current economic situation in the country, particularly the undeniable plight of the average Nigerian.

The ruling party cannot dismiss with a wave of the hand or as mere political rhetoric the kind of messages Mallam Abdullahi is dishing out to the public.

Five days ago, the ADC spokesman stated, “The most important thing is that our job is half done with the current hunger in the land. The major task we have is to convince Nigerians that we are the alternative.

“What is clear is that Nigerians don’t want APC anymore. Any Nigerian who is suffering today knows that they don’t want APC anymore. We must convince Nigerians that we represent the alternative.

“So a hungry person knows he doesn’t want to continue to be hungry. A person who can’t afford to pay hospital bills knows that he doesn’t want to continue. So, we don’t have any problems convincing Nigerians that they are suffering.

“We only have a challenge convincing Nigerians that we are different and that we are going to represent the alternative.“

These kinds of messages resonate resoundingly with many Nigerians and their current situation. These types of messages worked magic and endeared the APC to the masses in the build-up to the 2015 elections because they touch exactly upon where the shoe pinches the average person.

Mallam Abdullahi appears to be adept at employing public opinion to the advantage of his party.

So, should this be a source of concern for the APC?

I think so!