By Atlantic Reports

Former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Kabiru Adjoto, has backed cooperation between the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and opposition parties, saying citizens’ welfare should take priority over partisan interests.

Speaking in a telephone interview, Adjoto was reacting to the reported inclusion of Anambra Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Osun Governor Ademola Adeleke and Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike in the APC presidential campaign council.

He argued that political differences should not prevent leaders from working together on security, economic growth, infrastructure and social welfare.

According to Adjoto, constructive engagement between government and opposition could reduce political tension, strengthen national unity and encourage peaceful elections.

He described President Bola Tinubu’s approach to cross-party cooperation as an effort to promote national brotherhood and create conditions for development. That assessment represents Adjoto’s view of the president’s intentions.

Cooperation and Opposition Oversight

Adjoto said opposition parties could engage with the ruling party while retaining their responsibility to scrutinise government and provide checks and balances.

He urged political leaders to place national interest above party loyalty, arguing that the purpose of democratic governance should be to improve people’s lives.

However, cooperation on public policy and participation in a ruling party’s election campaign raise different questions. The former involves agreement on governance priorities, while the latter concerns support for an electoral project.

The supplied account did not establish the terms of the reported campaign council appointments or whether the political parties associated with the named officials had endorsed their participation.

Adjoto maintained that cooperation across political, ethnic and religious divides could support inclusive governance. Its public value would depend on whether it produces benefits for citizens while preserving effective scrutiny of those in power.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.