Abuja: Former Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has detailed how disciplined and strategic communication can transform a fragmented opposition into a cohesive national movement. Speaking at Abbey College, Cambridge, UK, Mohammed explained how this method was utilized by Nigeria’s political oppositions to defeat the ruling party in 2015.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, a statement on Mohammed’s speech was made available in Abuja by Mr. Nnamdi Atupulazi, Head of Strategic Communications in his media office. Atupulazi noted that Mohammed is currently on a speaking tour of the UK, discussing leadership, governance, and public communication.
The media aide recounted Mohammed’s insights on the transformation of Nigeria’s opposition following the 2003 general elections, which he described as a ‘political tsunami.’ Mohammed highlighted the substantial losses suffered by opposition parties, with the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) gaining significant ground.
Mohammed provided a historical context, noting that after Nigeria’s return to democratic governance in 1999, the political landscape was relatively balanced among the three major parties. However, the 2003 elections saw the PDP increase its control to 28 states, significantly weakening Mohammed’s party, the Alliance for Democracy (AD), which was reduced to just one state.
The former Minister explained how this compelled the AD to seek new alliances, leading to the formation of the Action Congress of Democrats (ACD), which eventually evolved into the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). Despite controlling only one state, the ACN utilized strategic communication to become the most vocal opposition force.
Mohammed emphasized the importance of communication, noting that it helped rebuild public trust and expand the opposition’s influence. The ACN’s growth from one state to six enabled it to form alliances that led to the creation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which unseated the PDP in the 2015 elections.
Reflecting on his governmental role, Mohammed said his opposition experience influenced his approach to governance and communication as Minister of Information and Culture. He stressed that communication is integral to both politics and governance.
Atupulazi added that Mohammed’s UK speaking tour is based on his new book, ‘Headlines and Soundbites: Media Moments That Defined an Administration,’ which documents his tenure as Nigeria’s government spokesman. Mohammed is also scheduled to speak at upcoming events at Cambridge International Education Conference and the London School of Economics.