Rufai Oseni, anchor of Arise Television Morning Show, has sharply criticised prominent opposition figures, labelling them a “coalition of jokers” over their response to the recently signed Electoral Act ahead of the 2027 elections.
Speaking on Friday during his programme, Oseni singled out leaders such as Atiku Abubakar, Rotimi Amaechi, and Peter Obi, faulting them for what he described as a delayed and ineffective reaction to the legislative process.
He questioned why opposition lawmakers in the National Assembly did not take stronger action while the bill was under consideration, instead waiting until after President Bola Tinubu had signed it into law to raise objections.
While praising legislators who held firm during deliberations, Oseni argued that the wider opposition failed to mount a coordinated response, criticising what he called largely symbolic protests after the law had already been enacted.
The television host further claimed that Nigeria currently lacks a strong opposition, alleging that some figures feel entitled to power and have struggled to adapt to being out of government. Although he acknowledged that the opposition made valid points regarding electronic transmission, he maintained that their overall response reflected “docility.”
Oseni said: “I call them opposition of jokers. Is the morning just breaking? Eight days after after the President signed this bill into law they are now… The question we should ask them is, what did they do about the process when it started?
“They have members in the National Assembly. Did they call all their members and say, ensure you stand your ground? And kudos to those members that did stand their ground. Yeah, but did they call them together?
“Is it by going to take turns in protest in front of the National Assembly that was the case? What did they do extra after the thing has been signed into law. Now you are coming out and saying “we reject this for democracy”. And you are looking when they were doing”.