As an opposition spokesperson, it would be easy to simply blame the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the failures of Nigeria’s opposition parties. However, in this piece, I choose to adopt a critical and objective perspective rather than play the role of a devil’s advocate.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

Time and again, the Nigerian opposition has shown a remarkable inability to navigate key political moments effectively. This repeated lack of foresight has cost opposition parties talented members, who are often poached by the ruling party. Can anyone really blame them for seizing opportunities?

Nigeria’s democracy stands at a pivotal crossroads. Amid economic challenges and rising insecurity, the nation’s democratic checks and balances—especially a strong opposition—are weakening. While many point fingers at the APC for shrinking political space, the opposition’s own mismanagement is largely responsible for its weakened position.

Major opposition parties—the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and the African Democratic Congress (ADC)—have been marked by self-inflicted decline, internal strife, and a lack of ideological depth. Questions about the ADC’s coalition-building raise concerns about strategic oversight, with ongoing litigations threatening its stability. Many key stakeholders feel ignored, leaving them vulnerable to disruption—a reality the APC exploits.

One visible weakness of the opposition is its lack of proactivity. Instead of anticipating the ruling party’s moves, it struggles to manage internal affairs. The PDP, once a formidable force, has been mired in factionalism among supporters of figures like Nyesom Wike and Atiku Abubakar, turning the party into a battlefield of egos. Similarly, the Labour Party, which inspired millions in 2023, has been hampered by leadership disputes involving Julius Abure and factions backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Leadership uncertainty undermines credibility.

During my Master’s studies, I was fascinated by the theory of processualism in political anthropology, which emphasizes conflict, power strategies, and political maneuvering as drivers of social change. Nigerian politicians are often driven by personal goals, and the opposition frequently suffers from naivety, failing to navigate the strategic demands of politics effectively.

The ideological vacuum in opposition parties is another critical weakness. Beyond criticizing the APC or President Tinubu, the opposition offers little concrete policy direction. Analysts like Olisa Agbakoba have noted the opposition’s failure to engage on substantive issues. After the Abuja Municipal Area Council elections, Professor Chidi Odinkalu described Nigeria’s opposition as an “utter disgrace,” a sentiment echoed by media personality Rufai Oseni, who called them a “coalition of jokers.”

Without clear ideological differentiation, opposition parties become mere vehicles for power-seeking, lacking moral authority to inspire the electorate. Organizational fatigue has led to defections, strengthening the APC’s dominance, which now controls 31 of 36 governorships. Many governors and lawmakers defect not out of shared values but because their original parties are ineffective.

Opposition leadership has also failed at inclusivity. Talented activists, unless they are former governors, ministers, or lawmakers, are largely ignored. The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) once served as a strong opposition platform, but lack of funding and support from major opposition leaders has limited its effectiveness, leaving self-sponsored activists to carry the burden.

As the 2027 general elections approach, the opposition’s window for redemption is closing. Blaming the Electoral Act or state apparatus is hollow when internal dysfunction is the real problem. Unless the opposition prioritizes service over personal rivalries and effectively utilizes its talent, it will remain the architect of its own failure.

The APC, by contrast, learned how to operate effectively while in opposition. Nigeria deserves a strong alternative, but until the opposition stops undermining itself, it cannot offer meaningful governance. Seeking power is not equivalent to seeking good governance.

Mark Adebayo is an Abuja-based activist, author, politician, and consultant. He currently serves as National Spokesperson of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and Convener of the New Direction for Nigeria Movement (NEDMO).

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