Dare Babalola
The results of the just-concluded bye-elections in 16 constituencies across 12 Nigerian states have earned some major opposition politicians mockery in some camps of the presidency.
Following the results declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the All Progressives Congress (APC) won in 12 constituencies, the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) won in two, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) won in one, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) won in one.
The result surprised some opposition members who believed that it was a bad outing for the newly-formed coalition under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), who many thought would pose a threat to the ruling party because of the caliber of politicians who left their various political parties to sack the APC.
Recall that heavyweight politicians like Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, former Vice President and People’s Democratic Party Presidential candidate in the 2023 general election; Peter Obi, Presidential Candidate of Labour Party in the 2023 general election; Malam Nasiru El-Rufai, Former Kaduna State Governor and Rotimi Amechi, former Governor of Rivers State came together last month to form a coalition under the ADC.
Other notable members are, Gabriel Suswan, Benue State former Governor; Datti Baba Ahmed; Senator David Mark, former Nigerian Senate President; and Aminu Tambuwal, Sokoto State former Governor, among others.
Former Senate President David Mark was nominated as the Interim National Chairman of the party, while Rauf Aregbesola, former Governor of Osun State, was nominated as the National Secretary.
The coalition was expected to boost the chances of the party at the polls, but following the results of the bye-elections declared by the INEC, members of the coalition became an object of mockery for the presidency.
In a post shared early Monday on X, presidential media aide, Bayo Onanuga took a swipe at the group, inquiring, “How is the market now?” adding pictures of Atiku, Obi, Amaechi and some other coalition members at the one of their meetings.
The question, in the Nigerian local parlance is used to mock a rival when you get the victory, while still masquerading like you care about your opposition.
It sparked diverse reactions from some Netizens who further ridiculed the coalition, while some others believed the elections were not transparent enough to earn the opposition group victory.
