Power for power’s sake: the pretenders behind ADA and 2027, by Kayode Adebiyi

I find it really sad that some of our politicians — despite the fact that a few of them, like Nasir El-Rufai, are actually very book-smart and can hold their own intellectually. Unfortunately, they lack political maturity and emotional intelligence.

For the life of me, who told them that the solution to Nigeria’s nascent democratic journey is the registration of a new political party? You would think these guys are smart, especially since some of them have been in the political space since 1999.

The APC worked in 2013/14 because Nigeria and Nigerians were yearning for a credible opposition party with national spread — like the PDP. Most importantly, on either side of the national divide were two parties: the ACN from the South and the CPC from the North, each led by two formidable politicians — Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Muhammadu Buhari.

Both men had been electorally tested and had electoral credibility built over many years. They didn’t just join a party, they founded one. They used their parties to win multiple elections and had formidable political structures on the ground that could stand the test of time. These were the credentials brought to the table during the formation of the APC.

So, my question is: what exactly is the ADA pretenders bringing to the table? What is new that they want to create? Who among them has the political stature of Asiwaju or Buhari? Is it El-Rufai — the same El-Rufai who couldn’t even deliver Kaduna State in 2023? I sabi talk and abuse people no be political and electoral influence o!

As Nigeria begins to feel the early rumblings of the 2027 general elections, familiar names are already positioning themselves at the centre of attention. One such name is Rotimi Amaechi, former Governor of Rivers State, former Minister of Transportation, and twice Director-General of Muhammadu Buhari’s presidential campaigns.

Once again, he’s back on the scene, reportedly front lining this new political party alongside other disgruntled politicians. But before anyone mistakes this for a genuine political movement, let’s take a moment to ask: What exactly has Rotimi Amaechi brought to the table, politically or electorally?

Amaechi’s political career has been long, but not necessarily impactful electorally. I will not deny him his flowers in terms of the work he did with our railway system under the Buhari government, but that’s where it ends. When it comes to delivering real electoral value, what’s his credentials?

As Governor of Rivers State between 2007 and 2015, he wielded enormous political power, but even at the height of his tenure, his ability to influence elections beyond his immediate office was limited.

In fact, by the time the 2015 general elections came around, despite being appointed the Director-General of Buhari’s campaign, and a sitting governor, Amaechi could not deliver his home state of Rivers to the APC. The PDP with Nyesom Wike leading the opposition swept the state with ease.

This repeated itself in 2019 when he again served as DG for Buhari’s re-election, still no political traction in his backyard. The so-called political heavyweight has never actually won an election for his party in Rivers since he jumped ship from the PDP to the APC.

Even worse, during his time as Minister of Transportation, Amaechi had arguably more national visibility and influence than most of his counterparts. Yet, when 2023 elections rolled in, again he brought zero electoral value to the table, not in Rivers, not in the South-South, not anywhere. Thank God for Wike who worked for the incumbent President.

The APC lost Rivers State in all other elections. That tells you all you need to know about Amaechi’s influence: loud in media spaces, weak at the ballot box.

Now, with 2027 on the horizon, Amaechi is trying to rebrand himself as a leader of a new political movement. But let’s call it what it is: a gathering of politically displaced elites who lost out in their former parties and are now pretending to be the “saviours” of Nigeria.

The truth? These politicians are not forming this party to entrench democracy, ensure good governance, or advance the interests of Nigerians. They are doing it because they are desperate to remain relevant.

Nigerians must see through the smokescreen. This isn’t about the people. It’s about power! It’s always been about power. These politicians are coming with new party logo, new slogans, and the same tired faces. They count on short public memory, on social media noise, and on voter fatigue. But we can’t afford to forget. Not now.

Rotimi Amaechi’s political story is not one of progress, reform, or genuine service. It’s the story of someone who has consistently held high office since 1999 but consistently failed to translate that into tangible electoral outcomes. His return to the political frontlines in 2027 is not a moment of hope. It’s a recycled disappointment.

The Nigerian people deserve better than political games dressed up as national rescue missions. We deserve leaders who win the confidence of their people, who lead with purpose, and who can actually deliver results.

The time for blind loyalty to political names is over. If someone couldn’t even win their ward or deliver their state while holding the biggest campaign roles in the country, they should not be leading any so-called political movement.

Nigerians do not be deceived. These are not patriots. They are politicians looking for their next chance at the trough. Let’s leave Amaechi and his ilk where they belong — in the past.