By Kemo Kanyi
Lawyer Assan Martin, political activist has cautioned opposition leaders against what he described as an obsession with the presidency.
Mr. Martin who is also coordinator of the National Alliance for Change (NAC), says an obsession with the presidency could undermine coalition-building efforts ahead of the 2026 presidential elections.
Speaking in an interview with The Voice on Wednesday, Martin said the opposition needed to prioritize unity and competence rather than individual ambitions.
He argued that not everyone can lead a presidential bid and stressed the need for credible and capable leadership.
“We are faced with too many wannabe leaders in our political landscape. Everybody cannot be president at the same time. We must end this obsession with the presidency. It is a syndrome affecting our politics, especially among those who are greedy for power,” he said.
Martin said opposition parties should resolve the issue of selecting a flag bearer early through consensus or agreed selection mechanisms to ease coalition building.
He added that the country needs a leader capable of improving living standards rather than one driven by political inducements, referencing lessons from the 2016 coalition experience.
He noted that although the 2016 coalition achieved its objective, it was later “hijacked” and derailed by the incumbent, resulting in the abandonment of its transitional agenda.
Martin further said the 2016 framework could be revised and strengthened to serve as a model for a new transitional arrangement, with safeguards and monitoring mechanisms to prevent deviation from agreed political objectives.
He also said the NAC would campaign against possible betrayal of any coalition presidential candidate in order to maintain public trust and ensure adherence to campaign promises.