Rufai Oseni Lambasts Opposition as 'Coalition of Jokers' Over Electoral Act Response
Prominent media personality Rufai Oseni has launched a scathing critique against key opposition figures in Nigeria, branding them as a "coalition of jokers" for their reaction to the recently signed electoral act ahead of the 2027 general elections. During an appearance on ARise TV on the morning of February 27, Oseni expressed deep disappointment with opposition leaders, including Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, for what he described as a delayed and ineffective response to the newly enacted legislation.
Criticism of Opposition's Timing and Strategy
Oseni pointedly questioned why opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly did not take stronger action while the bill was still under consideration, rather than raising objections days after it had been signed into law by President Bola Tinubu. He emphasized that the opposition's protests appeared symbolic and came too late, undermining their credibility and impact. "I call them opposition of jokers. Is the morning just breaking? Eight days after the President signed this bill into law they are now... The question we should ask them is, what did they do about the process when it started?" Oseni remarked, highlighting the perceived lack of proactive engagement.
Analysis of Opposition Coordination and Accountability
While commending individual lawmakers who stood their ground during legislative deliberations, Oseni argued that the broader opposition failed to provide coordinated resistance. He criticized their approach as disjointed and entitled, suggesting that they are unaccustomed to being out of power. "We don't have opposition. There is no opposition. We have a coalition of jokers. We have a coalition of people that are so entitled. They believe power is their birthright," he stated, adding that their recent actions pale in comparison to past opposition efforts by the APC.
Oseni also addressed specific concerns raised by the opposition, such as issues with indirect primaries and mandatory transmission of results, noting that while these points are valid, the opposition's docility in challenging them earlier is a significant problem. "Yes, they made a very good point as regards the mandatory transmission. We all know that the government and the APC are lying as regards. We've given them all the data. The facts are overwhelming but the opposition's docility is equally a big problem," he concluded, reinforcing his view that the opposition lacks the strategic acumen needed to hold the government accountable effectively.
