Those behind coalition just want to return to power —Bature

Hon. Rufus Bature was a former Secretary to the Plateau State Government, presently the Chairman, All Progressives Congress in the State. In this interview, Bature speaks with ISAAC SHOBAYO on the political situation in the country, coalition against the ruling APC, threat by some people in the North to mobilise against the incumbent president in 2027, among other topical issues. Excerpts:

Sir, what is your assessment of the political situation in the country?

Well, democracy is in action. The people are where they want to be not by chance, but by choice. They chose this government, and it’s moving. Things are happening in the country: the issue of hunger, insecurity, and people switching political parties. But above all, Nigerians are beginning to realise the importance of tolerance. In times like this, we need to take a retrospective look at how things were and how they are now. I believe Nigerians are wiser. It’s no longer just about political parties but about the individuals representing them. I think we are gradually moving toward a system of meritocracy.

Let me also say this: by 2027, the dynamics might change because of certain bold steps being taken in government, especially by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He has dared to touch areas that previous leaders were afraid of, simply because they feared losing re-election. That’s what leadership should look like. Take, for instance, the removal of fuel subsidy and the direct attacks on banditry and kidnapping. We’re seeing some results. Prices of food items are beginning to drop. Those who used to benefit from the fuel subsidy, diverting what belongs to all Nigerians to themselves alone, are now fighting back. But overall, things are shifting positively for the good of the country.

But, according to the opposition, the APC doesn’t deserve another term at the national level, considering the economic situation. They argue that the country has regressed under the current leadership. What is your take on this?

Well, in politics, people use different strategies to sell their agenda. Some of the criticisms are simply fabrications. If you’re going to criticise, you should do it objectively. That’s the role of the opposition. If you believe the APC is failing, what alternative are you offering? Have you proposed a workable plan that’s being ignored? Criticism for its own sake is not helpful. Look at the facts: how much was rice before Tinubu came in? How much is it today? What about maize? Yes, there are challenges, especially for producers. The cost of production hasn’t dropped. A farmer might now have to sell two bags of maize just to buy one bag of fertilizer. But there are signs of improvement. With better support, such as inputs for farmers, the cost of production will reduce.

I believe that with time, these things will manifest more clearly. Policymakers and those implementing the policies must pay attention to these variables and make necessary adjustments for the good of society.

There’s currently a strong anti-APC sentiment in the North, with some groups threatening not to vote for the party in 2027…

(Cuts in) That perception is largely driven by disgruntled individuals, people who are no longer in government. It’s like weaning a baby off breast milk too early, without providing a substitute. The cry you hear from such a child is loud—and that’s what we’re seeing now. Some individuals from the North who previously enjoyed the perks of government are no longer part of it, and they’re crying the loudest. But it’s not the general population. It’s not the collective voice of the North. It’s the cry of those who were once in power and now feel left out. And when they were in power, what did they do? Let’s be honest, Nigeria belongs to all of us. If the North held power for eight years, then for the sake of equity, it’s only fair that the South is allowed to complete its eight years. This is not even about APC or President Bola Tinubu in particular. It’s about fairness.

And I believe the best person to continue leading at this time is Bola Ahmed Tinubu. He understands Nigeria and Nigerians. Let’s also be fair, what is it that the North hasn’t gotten? We have the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the National Chairman of the APC, key ministers like agriculture and both Ministers of Defense, the National Security Adviser—all from the North. Sometimes, the complaints come from a mindset of entitlement: If it’s not me, then it’s wrong. But that’s not how we should see governance.

Do you think President Tinubu has been fair in the distribution of appointments across the country?

I think, to be fair to President Tinubu, he has tried to ensure fairness in the distribution of appointments across ministries, MDAs, and even in the military and paramilitary forces.

There has been this constant allegation of nepotism that everything is skewed in favour of the South, particularly the Southwest. What is your opinion on this assertion?

From my perspective, I believe he has balanced things reasonably. If someone merits a position, and it will serve the best interest of the country, that person should be patronised by the government. Now, if the person appointed doesn’t meet expectations or fails to perform, that’s when we can start talking about removing or replacing them.

The focus should be on performance and results. Leadership is about taking Nigeria out of where we are and improving the lives of citizens. The complaints shouldn’t be about whether appointments go to the South-West, North, or any region.

We’ve formed a habit in this country if a president doesn’t favour a certain region, the people complain. Even if someone from your region is appointed, they might say he has abandoned his people. It happens in different administrations—even here in the Plateau.

But for me, I don’t care where someone comes from. If you’re appointed and you’re performing to the satisfaction of Nigerians and the president, then you deserve that position. We should learn to give credit where it’s due and stop making every appointment about ethnicity or region.

The idea of nepotism, as far as I’m concerned, does not arise, what matters is merit. I also believe there are people from the North who deserve the appointments they’ve received. But we can’t appoint two people to one office. In time, others will have their turn. People will have their say and participate in governance. What we should do is encourage those who are performing. Those behind the so-called coalition simply want to recycle back to power, they have nothing to offer this country and Nigerians, too, must be careful about their antics. That’s my take.

What do you make of the situation where some APC frontliners are now positioning themselves to challenge the current administration in 2027? I’m referring to some of the founding members who once gave the party a lifeline, especially from the North.

Well, as far as I’m concerned, those are frontliners in name. It’s not as if they performed excellently in the positions they held. We know of discrepancies during their tenures. So, what we’re seeing now is mostly about a lack of patronage. Because they are no longer being patronised, they’ve decided to switch camps. But must it always be you? There are other capable people, too. If others have been entrusted with responsibilities now, you should sit back and observe. If someone is not performing, we should correct them, not destroy the system just because you feel left out.

One of your own from Plateau, Prof. Nentawe Yilwatda, is now the APC National Chairman. How do you feel about that?

Honestly, I feel elated that one of our own, Professor Nentawe, has been entrusted with the responsibility of leading the APC at the national level. He’s a young man with composure, patience, intelligence, compassion, and above all, capacity. Plateau State has been handed a big responsibility.

Remember, Solomon Lar once led the PDP at the national level during the early years of the Fourth Republic, and he performed. Nentawe has time on his side, and I believe he will perform even better, showcasing Plateau’s potential. He has been groomed all the way from his village, through secondary school, university, and the public service. He served as Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) and later became the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau. Though he didn’t win, today he is the National Chairman of the APC. I believe Nigerians will not regret his leadership at the end of the day.

 Looking at the history of APC’s national chairmanship from Chief Bisi Akande to Adams Oshiomhole, and then Abdullahi Adamu—most of them had backgrounds as strong political godfathers. Some are asking whether Nentawe, being more of a technocrat, can survive the tough political terrain. What’s your take?

I believe he will fit in. I said as much during an interview with NTA just a few days ago. Yes, the position is tough—it’s rugged, and the political interests at that level are intense. But I also believe that if he works within the framework of the APC Constitution and the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria (as amended), he will succeed.

Democracy is about the rule of law. If he adheres to that, he’ll do well. This position is not going to be a banana peel; rather, it’s a coconut shell. It’ll be hard to crack, but even harder to slide off. He’ll hold his ground.

And finally, how prepared are you for 2027? Your party activities seem to be picking up again.

We are fully prepared. Absolutely. In Plateau State, instead of decamping to the party in power, people are rather decamping to the opposition, that is the APC. You just heard few names, there are people waiting to defect to the APC in Plateau State and by the time we unveil those who have indicated their interest to decamp, people of the state will be surprised, especially with the chairman of the party coming from Plateau State.

READ ALSO: A coalition and its many tendencies