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The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has rejected the new coalition prospects formed under the African Democratic Congress (ADC), describing prominent members as “a group of comedians” and urged the Nigerians to divert focus towards meaningful election reforms.
Osifo made a comment during the appearance at TUC Half Hour, the current business program was aired on television channels on Wednesday. He kept Tuc from the coalition, which included high-profile political figures such as former vice president, former Senate president, and former Governor of the State Rivers, Rotimi Amaechi.
“For us at TUC, we are not part of the coalition,” said Osifo. “We have seen this story before, recycled politicians have been packaged as a savior. Since returning to the Democratic government in 1999, we have been promised change, but very few have improved.”
Drawing parallel with the 2013 political merger that gave rise to all the progressive congress (APC), Osifo recalled how the Nigerians were told that they had found “Messiah” which would give the nation. However, he argues, many of the same actors are now in the current center of ADC formation.
“Most of the people who lead this coalition are the same individuals who bring APC in 2015. They are only old players in new packaging,” he said. “What we need is a leader who is willing to take a real risk to restructure the country, not a career politician who has failed before.”
Osifo questioned the track record of the coalition key members, including former vice president and former president of the Senate, both of whom were tasked with high ranking roles for eight years.
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“What did they achieve in those years?” He asked. “As vice president, what was achieved? As president of the Senate and Chair of the National Assembly, what Tengara Reforms he began to change Nigeria? The answer is nothing.”
In the inclusion of former Governor Rotimi Amaechi in the coalition, Osifo blunt: “These are all comedians, I dare to say it.”
Instead of investing hopes in the political alliance, President TUC urged the Nigerians to channel their energy to advocate comprehensive election reforms.
“If the Nigerians want to reclaim their country, it will not happen through this failed politician,” he said. “Maybe there are one or two people in a coalition that has made a positive sign, but they are an exception, not the rules.”
Osifo stressed that the actual path towards national progress lies in the election system reshuffle.
“What Nigerians should be requested at this time is a credible selection framework, where one person is equal to one voice, and where the results cannot be manipulated or written. That is the basis of concrete changes,” he concluded.
