Prof. Chidi Odinkalu Characterizes Cross-Party Deals and Election Remarks as Political Criminality
Speaking on Channels Television, human rights lawyer and academic Prof. Chidi Odinkalu sharply criticized the prevailing trend of "rainbow coalitions" and dual-party allegiances in Nigerian politics.
Responding to questions regarding cross-party alignments and recent public statements made by FCT Minister Nyesom Wike regarding the Osun State governorship election, Odinkalu argued that such political maneuvers represent a breakdown of democratic norms rather than genuine ideological alliances.
Odinkalu rejected the premise that the political alignments constitute a legitimate coalition, asserting that those involved share no unifying philosophy beyond seeking access to power.
He specifically cited public remarks suggesting that electoral outcomes could be manipulated or targeted via political deployments, calling such actions inherently anti-democratic.
"That is not democracy. That is criminality. Let us be very clear about that... When I look at the so-called Nigerian rainbow coalition... these are not people with any particular ideology other than access to power and plunder based on power."
Deep-Dive Analysis
Key Issues Raised in the Interview
Prof. Chidi Odinkalu outlined several critical concerns regarding internal party discipline, dual political affiliations, and public rhetoric surrounding elections:
- Critique of the "Rainbow Coalition" Concept: Odinkalu argued that the term "rainbow coalition" is misplaced when applied to current Nigerian political realignments. He stressed that a true coalition involves diverse ideological groupings working together, whereas the current arrangements lack distinct policy foundations and exist solely to consolidate power.
- Dual-Party Allegiances and Anti-Party Activity: Highlighting the scenario where political figures hold positions or exercise command across opposing parties—such as claiming leadership in both the PDP and APC—Odinkalu stated that such practices subvert the multi-party system and undermine intra-party accountability.
- Public Rhetoric on Election Outcomes: Addressing comments regarding the Osun State governorship election—specifically claims that political actors could be deployed to influence or "finagle" electoral contests—Odinkalu warned that framing election victories as functions of political maneuvering rather than the will of the electorate borders on criminality rather than democratic engagement.
- Legal and Institutional Muddle: He observed that unchecked anti-party activities and ambiguous party memberships create cognitive dissonance for voters and risk overwhelming the judicial system with post-election disputes over candidate legitimacy and party loyalty.
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