The Arewa Empowerment Coalition (AEC) has faulted the proposed formation of the All Democratic Alliance (ADA), reportedly being championed by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar alongside prominent political figures such as Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal.

The group warned that the consequences of such missteps go beyond political strategy, posing risks to national unity and stability.

In a statement by its leader, Sulaiman Yusuf Sani, the coalition described the proposed alliance as a “misguided political misadventure” by “a cohort of disgruntled opportunists” attempting to hijack Nigeria’s democratic aspirations for personal gain.

He said that Atiku’s continued reliance on familiar but tainted political figures reveals a lack of innovation and a disconnect from the evolving needs of the electorate.

Sani said: “We view this coalition as a poorly calculated decision that reflects a profound misunderstanding of the current political landscape and the aspirations of the Nigerian people. Atiku Abubakar’s attempt to forge this alliance is not only misguided but also indicative of a broader trend of political miscalculations that have plagued his career.

“The AEC believes that this initiative will yield negative consequences and fail to achieve its intended outcomes, primarily due to the misjudgment of public sentiment, underestimation of the opposition, and a lack of foresight regarding the potential repercussions of their policies.

“The Arewa Empowerment Coalition believes that the North would not be deceived by the antics of the Atiku-led coalition. The political arena in Nigeria is not merely a chessboard for the ambitions of a few; it is a complex tapestry woven from the hopes, dreams, and frustrations of millions. Atiku and his allies appear to have overlooked this fundamental truth.

“By attempting to rally together a coalition of disillusioned politicians, they underestimate the resilience and intelligence of the Nigerian electorate, who are increasingly discerning and demand authentic leadership rather than opportunistic alliances.

“Moreover, the AEC contends that the ADA is a desperate manoeuvre by individuals who, having failed to connect with the grassroots, now seek to cling to power through alliances that lack genuine substance.

“The political careers of figures like Nasir El-Rufai, Rotimi Amaechi, and Babachir Lawal are marred by controversies and a legacy of governance that has left much to be desired. Their inclusion in this coalition only serves to diminish its credibility and further alienate the very citizens they claim to represent.

“Atiku Abubakar’s political calculations appear to stem from a fundamental failure to accurately assess the shifting dynamics of Nigerian politics. His reliance on established but discredited figures signals a lack of innovation and a disregard for the evolving needs of the populace.

“The AEC believes that true leadership requires not only an understanding of current political realities but also a vision that prioritises the long-term well-being of the public over personal ambition.

“The repercussions of these missteps extend far beyond the realm of political strategy; they threaten the fabric of our society. When political leaders prioritise their interests over the needs of their constituents, they risk sowing discord and disillusionment among the very communities they seek to serve.”

Sani urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and resist political arrangements that are not built on substance or the common good.

He added, “The Arewa Empowerment Coalition categorically rejects the proposed All Democratic Alliance as a misguided and poorly conceived initiative that fails to resonate with the aspirations of the Nigerian people.

“We urge Atiku Abubakar and his allies to reconsider their approach and engage in genuine dialogue with the electorate, prioritising the needs of the people over political expediency. The future of our nation depends on leaders who are willing to listen, learn, and lead with integrity.”