Opposition’s self-sabotage and fading democratic alternative
Sir: The communiqué issued after the Ibadan opposition summit reflects a familiar pattern: strong rhetoric against the ruling party, yet a troubling absence of introspection. Opposition parties in Nigeria are
Sir: The communiqué issued after the Ibadan opposition summit reflects a familiar pattern: strong rhetoric against the ruling party, yet a troubling absence of introspection. Opposition parties in Nigeria are increasingly opposing themselves, fragmented, ideologically weak, and often driven by elite bargains rather than a coherent people-centred agenda. What we are witnessing is not merely a weak opposition, but a self-sabotaging formation, one that risks rendering itself irrelevant at a critical historical moment.
What emerged from the communiqué is an elite-driven orientation, one that prioritizes candidate permutations, electoral timelines, and power-sharing arrangements over the urgent task of building a mass-based political alternative. The recurring call for a “united presidential candidate” without a unifying ideological framework risks becoming another opportunistic coalition, one that is assembled for electoral convenience rather than grounded in shared principles. Such arrangements have historically collapsed under the weight of contradictions, leaving the electorate disillusioned and politically fatigued.
More troubling, however, is the growing perception that some top political actors within the opposition are, in fact, “Maradona”, masters of political manoeuvring. In this sense, opposition politics becomes transactional, less about contesting power for transformation, and more about bargaining for inclusion, protection, or future advantage. This culture of duplicity erodes public trust and reinforces the belief that there is little substantive difference between the ruling party and its supposed challengers. When citizens cannot find representation within formal structures, they either disengage or seek unconventional pathways, both of which carry implications for democratic stability. A democracy without a vibrant, trusted opposition is inherently fragile.
Equally important is the role of the labour movement in this unfolding scenario. Historically, the labour movement has been a cornerstone of resistance, mobilizing workers, challenging unjust policies, and articulating the demands of the oppressed. In Nigeria, its legacy is deeply intertwined with struggles for democracy and social justice. However, in recent times, the movement appears weakened, constrained by internal contradictions, leadership compromises, and a tendency toward reactive rather than proactive engagement.
Another dimension that deserves attention is the structural imbalance within Nigeria’s political economy. The concentration of power and resources at the centre has created incentives for political actors to prioritize access to state power over ideological consistency. In such a context, opposition politics becomes less about offering alternative visions of governance and more about negotiating entry into the existing system. This dynamic reinforces the cycle of opportunism and undermines efforts to build a principled political movement.
Read Also: Ending malaria in Nigeria: Why local manufacturing is now the decisive front
The communiqué’s emphasis on resisting a one-party state is valid and necessary. However, resistance alone is insufficient. What is required is reconstruction, a deliberate effort to build institutions, articulate policies, and cultivate leadership that is accountable to the people. This involves engaging with communities, understanding their needs, and translating those needs into actionable political programs. It also requires a commitment to internal democracy, ensuring that opposition parties themselves embody the values they seek to promote at the national level.
Furthermore, the question of electoral reform, while important, should not overshadow the broader challenge of political organization. Free and fair elections are essential, but they are only meaningful when there are credible alternatives for citizens to choose from. Without such alternatives, even the most transparent electoral process cannot produce transformative outcomes.
The real challenge therefore, is not just resisting a dominant ruling party, but constructing a credible, mass-driven alternative, one that is rooted in the aspirations of ordinary Nigerians and capable of translating those aspirations into policy and practice. Missing this moment carries significant risks. It may deepen democratic decline, entrench economic inequality, and further alienate citizens from the political process.
If the opposition continues on its current trajectory, marked by fragmentation, opportunism, and self-sabotage, it risks becoming irrelevant in the eyes of the people. And in that vacuum, the promise of democracy itself may begin to fade. The task, therefore, is urgent and unavoidable: to move beyond rhetoric and build a politics that is truly representative, accountable, and transformative.
•Moshood Oshunfurewa Lagos.
