Former Senator Kabiru Marafa, who represented Zamfara Central senatorial district, has suggested that President Bola Tinubu is willing to cooperate with his major political rivals, such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and Peter Obi of the Labour Party (LP), in the pursuit of his proposed government of national unity.
Speaking to State House correspondents in Abuja, Marafa revealed that this willingness on the part of President Tinubu would hinge on the attitudes exhibited by his political opponents following the Supreme Court’s judgment, which dismissed appeals by both the PDP and the LP presidential candidates challenging Tinubu’s victory in the 2023 presidential election.
Marafa stated that the behavior displayed by these former rivals would play a significant role in determining the President’s approach to achieving a government of national unity. He emphasized that President Tinubu would consider working with all parties if they accept the judgment with open hearts and extend a hand of friendship. According to Marafa, the success of governance in Nigeria, especially in its complex landscape, necessitates collaboration among all stakeholders.
Marafa further urged these erstwhile rivals to set aside their differences and join hands for the betterment of the country, emphasizing the need for unity given the nation’s current challenges. He also called for a focus on addressing the issues affecting the masses, including the economic difficulties resulting from subsidy removal and the exchange rate challenges.
In summary, the President is open to working with political rivals, pending their post-judgment behavior, as they all have a role to play in advancing the country’s interests and addressing its pressing concerns.