Prince Orji Nwafor-Orizu, Principal Partner at Friends Chambers, in this press interview with our man at the weekend speaks on the reported appointment of opposition-affiliated politicians as coordinators of President Bola Tinubu’s re-election campaign, the implications for Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, the independence of voters and the potential electoral consequences ahead of the 2027 general election.
Some Nigerians are concerned about the appointment of opposition politicians as coordinators of President Tinubu’s re-election campaign. What is your assessment?
I consider the development troubling from the perspective of multiparty democracy. Political parties exist to provide distinct platforms through which Nigerians can participate in elections and promote their political choices. When politicians retain their affiliations with opposition parties while accepting responsibilities in another party’s presidential campaign, questions naturally arise about their political commitments.
Do you believe politicians who accept such appointments should join the APC?
My position is that politicians who genuinely wish to participate in the APC’s political activities should consider whether joining the party would better reflect their political choices. However, the circumstances of each appointment must be considered individually, and the relevant party rules should guide any decision about membership or discipline.
Could the acceptance of these appointments amount to anti-party activity?
It could raise questions about compliance with party rules, depending on the circumstances. Whether particular conduct constitutes anti-party activity is a matter for examination under the relevant party constitution and applicable procedures. It should not be treated as an automatic legal conclusion merely because someone accepts a campaign appointment.
What challenges could this arrangement create for the opposition parties concerned?
The major challenge is the possibility of conflicting political messages. An opposition party may be presenting its own candidates to voters, while one of its prominent members is campaigning for the presidential candidate of another party. That could raise questions about the member’s political priorities and the party’s ability to maintain a consistent campaign message.
Can the appointment of opposition figures guarantee additional votes for President Tinubu?
No appointment can guarantee votes. A political leader may have followers and influence, but individual voters make their own decisions. The effectiveness of these coordinators will depend on their ability to persuade people, mobilise support and engage communities. Their titles alone cannot determine the outcome of an election.
You referred to the Federal Capital Territory’s voting pattern in the 2023 presidential election. What lesson should political parties draw from it?
The lesson is that political parties should study voters carefully rather than assume that endorsements automatically translate into electoral success. The FCT’s previous voting pattern is relevant to political analysis, but it cannot conclusively predict the next election. Voters’ preferences can change, and any forecast should be based on reliable evidence.
Some political leaders believe that their personal influence can help them persuade supporters to vote for a particular presidential candidate. Is that assumption justified?
Political influence can be important, but it is not the same as controlling votes. Supporters may listen to their leaders and still make different choices at the ballot box. Campaign organisations should therefore focus on persuasion, credible policies and public engagement rather than assume that supporters will automatically follow every political instruction.
What could happen if a politician campaigns for Tinubu for president but supports a candidate from another party for the National Assembly?
Answer: Such a politician could face a communication challenge because voters would be asked to support candidates from different parties in the same election cycle. However, voters are entitled to make different choices for different offices. The political effect would depend on how clearly the politician explains the arrangement and whether supporters consider the candidates credible.
Could the appointments create tension between the new coordinators and existing APC officials at state and local government levels?
That is a possibility that the APC should address through clear responsibilities and effective coordination. Existing party structures have their own members and organisational arrangements. If new coordinators are introduced without clarity about their roles, misunderstandings could arise. Proper communication and cooperation would be necessary to prevent avoidable friction.
You also discussed Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo. How might his political position affect the 2027 election?
A governor’s political position can influence public debate, but it does not automatically determine how residents will vote. Anambra voters have their own preferences and political considerations. Any assessment of the governor’s influence should be based on his actual political activities and credible evidence, rather than the assumption that his position necessarily represents the views of every voter in the state.
Do you believe opposition leaders who accept these appointments will necessarily weaken their own parties?
Not necessarily in every case. The impact will depend on the individuals involved, the rules of their parties, the level of their influence and how their parties respond. Nevertheless, when prominent members send conflicting political signals, the parties concerned may need to clarify their positions and explain their electoral strategies to supporters.
What role should political parties play if they believe a member has engaged in anti-party activity?
Parties should follow their constitutions and established disciplinary procedures. They should examine the facts, give affected members an appropriate opportunity to respond and ensure that any decision is consistent with their rules. Political disagreement should not automatically be treated as proof of misconduct.
Can the judiciary intervene in disputes arising from alleged anti-party activity?
A party may ordinarily begin by applying its internal procedures. Where a dispute raises a justiciable issue and the relevant legal requirements are satisfied, an aggrieved person may seek judicial redress. The court’s role would depend on the facts, the applicable law and the relief being requested. It would be wrong to assume that every internal party disagreement must necessarily end up in court.
Finally, do you see any advantage in appointing opposition-affiliated politicians as Tinubu campaign coordinators?
There could be political advantages if the appointments help the campaign reach new communities, build genuine alliances and persuade additional voters. However, those benefits should not be assumed merely because prominent individuals accept positions. The real test will be whether the arrangement produces meaningful public support, works effectively with existing party structures and contributes to a credible democratic contest.
