We Don’t Have to Agree to Work Together”: The Political Culture Nigeria Desperately Needs~ By Onyeani Kalu

ONN Abuja 03.07.2025

In sane climes, disagreement is not seen as betrayal. Political rivalry is not mistaken for warfare. And differing ideologies are not a license for permanent enmity. But in Nigeria, after every election, our political class seems hardwired to return to the trenches of tribal sentiment, personal vendetta, and intra-party sabotage.

What should be a moment of democratic consolidation quickly descends into bitter fragmentation. Alliances collapse. Friendships dissolve. Strategic cooperation becomes taboo , unless everyone bows to the same god and chants the same slogan. But the question must be asked: Must we agree on everything to work together?

Let’s consider the case of Elon Musk and Donald Trump.

Musk, a man of incredible intellect and global influence , supported Trump’s re-election at one point. Yet, he has not hesitated to criticize the President on issues ranging from climate to policy priorities. Trump, on the other hand, hasn’t “canceled” Musk for disagreeing. They spar. They debate. They diverge. But they still engage. They still talk. And sometimes, they still collaborate.

That, ladies and gentlemen, is political maturity.

So I ask again: Are Nigerian politicians watching? Are they taking notes?

THE RISE OF ISSUE-BASED COALITIONS: A POLITICAL REVOLUTION?

Today, in what may be a defining moment in Nigerian democratic history, a bold coalition has emerged the Nigeria First Coalition, rallying under the platform of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). What’s striking is that this movement isn’t bound by the old rules of party allegiance. It is driven by shared goals, urgent national priorities, and the hunger for a Nigeria that works, regardless of partisan labels.

Some of its backers remain in the PDP. Some are disgruntled APC members, some are LP supporters and members while Others are political independents who simply believe Nigeria deserves better. Critics call it confusion. I call it courage.

We’ve already seen this new template at work. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the political strategy, set the tone. Nyesom Wike, while still a PDP stalwart, openly supported the APC, accepted a ministerial appointment, and installed his political structure deep inside the APC-led federal government. His loyalty? Not to a party logo, but to influence, relevance, and policy impact.

Now others are following suit.

Just days ago, a PDP chieftain on live television declared his full support for the Nigeria First Coalition while insisting he’ll remain in PDP. When asked why he wouldn’t simply defect to the ADC, he replied with a smile:

“Did Wike join APC before supporting them? We’re just following the precedent Mr. President has set.”

Make no mistake, this is not political indiscipline. This is political evolution.

So the question must now be asked:

Will aggrieved APC members also support this coalition while staying within the party?

Will other parties mirror this emerging dual-track loyalty model?

If Tinubu can work with Wike…

If Musk can challenge Trump and still talk with him…

Then perhaps, Nigerian politicians must learn that loyalty to Nigeria must come before loyalty to parties, egos, or ambition.

This is not a call for chaos. It is a call for political pragmatism. A call to rise above petty differences and focus on what unites us: security, youth development, infrastructure, economic survival, national identity, and justice.

Let every political actor, young or old, remember:

Your opponent today may be your coalition partner tomorrow.

The voters are wiser. The terrain has changed. And a new political culture is dawning.

This is the era of strategic collaboration over bitter polarization.

The Nigeria First Coalition is not just a political experiment, it is a statement:

We can disagree. We can debate. But we must build, together.

History is watching. The future is forming. The new Nigeria is rising.

According to ADC Slogan “Nigerians, Arise and Shine”

Your Ever Well Wisher

Mazi Onyeani Kalu

Political Scientist | Pro-Life Advocate | Promoter of Good Governance.