By Debo Omilani, Lagos

Former Speaker of the House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, has described the formation of a coalition by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a healthy development for Nigeria’s democracy, but expressed doubts about its long-term viability.

Speaking with Journalist after casting his vote at his polling unit located at Elizabeth Fowler Nursery and Primary School in Surulere, Lagos, on Saturday, Gbajabiamila noted that while opposition coalitions are necessary in a democracy, he is uncertain about how far the ADC coalition can go in achieving its goals especially given President Bola Tinubu’s performance, which he says continues to “tower high.”

“Well, it’s a welcome development. Coalition politics is not new; we’ve seen it before. It’s good for democracy. There must always be some level of opposition no matter how small so we don’t slip into a one-party system,” he said. “But I’m not sure where it will go. Let me just put it that way. My words may be cryptic, but I know exactly what I mean.”

On the ongoing local government elections in Lagos, Gbajabiamila acknowledged a generally low voter turnout, attributing it to public apathy and a lack of understanding about the importance of local governance.

“There was a generally low turnout from what I observed. I think it’s perhaps because people take it for granted and don’t fully understand the importance of local government elections. In some places, this level of election is even more important than others,” he said.

He urged increased voter education and sensitization, emphasizing the need to build stronger civic participation at the grassroots level. Despite the low turnout, he commended the peaceful atmosphere across polling units, noting the absence of violence or disruptions.

“It’s peaceful, it’s quiet, it’s free. That’s what we all want for any election,” he added.

On the performance of the incumbent Surulere Local Government Chairman, Honourable Suleiman Yusuf, Gbajabiamila expressed satisfaction and optimism.

“The chairman is doing well so far. He must not rest on his laurels. I’m almost certain he’ll win again, and if he does, he must double his efforts just like the rest of us at all levels of government,” he said. “The local government is closest to the people, and the needs of the people are clear.”

Addressing the Supreme Court’s ruling on local government autonomy, which marked its one-year anniversary on Friday, Gbajabiamila reiterated the importance of full implementation.

“The ruling was widely welcomed. It’s the execution we’re still working on dotting the I’s and crossing the T’s. But there cannot be effective governance without full autonomy. I’m confident that, in the near future, local governments will begin to experience it in full.”