Dr. Usman Bugaje, a political activist and civil society leader, has criticized the emerging opposition coalition for prioritizing power acquisition over addressing Nigeria’s fundamental challenges.
Bugaje expressed disappointment with the coalition’s approach during an interview with Arise TV from 8:05, arguing that political parties remain focused on personalities rather than substantial policy alternatives. “Even in the coalition, I don’t think they speak about the real dangers that this country is facing. The amount of insecurity, the joblessness of young people, the lack of industries, and how to do production so that the country can be wealthy,” Bugaje stated during the television interview.
He emphasized environmental and agricultural crises that receive insufficient political attention. “The fact that we lose nearly 350,000 hectares every year to desert encroachment. The fact that we have got a deficit of grain of about 30 million metric tonnes, and with the flood that happened last rainy season, I’m not sure that figure will remain there; it’s most likely going to go up,” he explained.
Bugaje painted a stark picture of Nigeria’s current state, comparing the country’s indicators to conflict zones. “You look at our other parameters; it is very similar to the war-torn countries like Southern Sudan, Syria, and others. Why are the politicians not speaking about these ideas?” he questioned.
Instead, he noted that political discourse remains centered on personality politics rather than substantive policy discussions. “They’re only speaking about ‘oh, we have this former governor of and ex Vice President.’ What does it really matter? What difference does it make if they are in this party or they in that party? It is the same thing that we see,” Bugaje observed.
The activist expressed his desire for a coalition that offers concrete solutions rather than mere political opposition. “I’m not impressed with a coalition that is just out to take power from the incumbent. I would be impressed if that coalition represents an alternative to what we are having now – an alternative to the pains that this country is going through,” he declared.
Bugaje outlined specific areas where he expects meaningful alternatives from any serious political coalition. ”We want an alternative to this hyperinflation, an alternative to the excessive corruption, an alternative to the insecurity that is basically bringing this country down to its knees, an alternative to the escalation of cost of energy that makes it impossible for anybody to set up an industry. The fact that 25 years of democracy has not delivered development should be our concern,” he emphasized.
