1. MAKING A CASE FOR A VIRILE, FORMIDABLE OPPOSITION
… Forsaking Egotist Tendencies At The Threshold Of National Interest
By Tunde Saduwa
It is often said, “… the more the merrier” but a few lessons in political history and antecedences of party
formation cum intrigues, especially in Nigeria reflects otherwise ,that it would be better to say: “… the more composite
(the 6 geo-political zones fully represented), cohesive and formidable the better.” It is my wish not to make this piece in
anyway sympathetic towards a political nomenclature or elitist’s course; but rather a directing of light beam on the
desirability of a robust opposition at such a time as these. As the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is consistently waxing
stronger and overbearing upon the nation and her people. And the other parties, fragmented as they are, are having the
illusion of wrestling political dominance without matching the PDP with equal magnitude of political will or organization.
Most Nigerians are quite aware of the imposing status of the PDP; as well as their propensity to win most general
elections - whether objectively or subjectively, especially the presidential elections. You just have to acknowledge them.
They have come a long way – staying strong, formidable and cohesive, compared to their counterparts formed about the
same time towards the electioneering activities of 1999, signaling the return to participatory democracy. Most of which
have experience one form of name change, internal feud or unproductive mergers; whittling down their popularity with
the people, and consequently confined to playing regionally politics as against their initial all inclusive nationalistic
outlook.
The deserters of such parties have most times sought political shelter under the ever widening umbrella of the
PDP. While aggrieved members of the PDP on the other hand, find it expedient to utilize the platform of these smaller
parties to actualise their political ambitions of seeking elective post. When such attempts fail, they often find it rationally
wise to return to the fold of the PDP to stay relevant in the political coliseum. This is so, because the PDP is like a giant
amidst dwarfs. And coupled with the Nigerian culture of always wanting to associate with the most formidable and
elitist, with more money to throw around, and a winning edge; it would be that ,“it would be better to stay anonymous
in an impressive, ruling mega party, than being conspicuous in an unimpressive, docile opposition party.”
With the situation at hand, Nigeria is consistently drifting towards a one-party state; that you can hardly find a well
organized, formidable opposition party. Hence, the PDP will ride upon the collective conscience of the nation like a
colossus, carrying her along in its internal party intrigues, betrayals, convictions and commotions. Such, was what played
out itself with the issue of Zoning, a proposed form of power sharing formula between the North and the South,
adjudged to be most appropriate considering the peculiar nature of Nigeria, as a multi-ethnic, religious and diversified
society with uncanny attribute of ethnic rivalry and suspicion. As against the ideal and conscientious tenet of democracy,
that accommodates whoever is eligible, capable and sincere, irrespective of gender, ethnicity or political affiliation. Just
as we have it in the United States of America, an advanced, multi-racial and diversified society.
In as much as the political system tolerates several political parties and conglomeration; widening opportunities
for vast majority of aspirants to be voted for in electioneering contest. The importance of effective mergers and strong
contenders/aspirants arising from such cannot be overemphasized. Just as in the United States of America, the
Republications and the Democrats hold sway as mega parties towering above the rest, and giving each other intense
fight for the electorates’ votes via constructive, intellectual and pragmatically exhaustive issues/ideologically based
arguments and debates – federal oversight vs. local autonomy, regulatory control vs. an unencumbered marketplace,
pro-labour vs. pro-business; environmental protection vs. commercial profitability, reproductive choice vs. fetal sanctity;
safety net vs. workfare, debt reduction vs. tax relief and so on. With the replica of such on Nigeria’s political landscape;
robust, homegrown, alternative perspectives of politics and governance for national advancement will be engendered.

2. As affirmation to merger by some political parties is at an advance stage, the hallmark of Nigeria’s political
campaigns/debates of negative criticism, hypocritical condemnation of persons, ideals / institutions, and unrealistic
utopian propositions have began to rear their ugly heads. But of what good will these serve in our quest for
conscientious leadership?
Although, mergers that will spring up strong formidable opposition parties that will not only talk the talks, but
indeed – walk their talks; putting the ruling parties (at states/federal level) on their toes, and checking their excesses,
would be highly commendable. But a situation where such conglomeration like in the time past, is for the actualization
of some parochial interest and inordinate desire for power and political relevance by some key individuals and cliques;
will be regarded as an wholesome insult upon the collective psyche of the people of Nigeria.
In my submission, I believe it is not enough for some political parties to tag themselves – the Progressives, and consider
the others as Conservatives or otherwise. Maybe they should do us a favour, by being explicit about that! Because, I see
nothing spectacular or exceptionally rewarding in being Progressive, which according to Oxford Advanced Learner’s
dictionary of current English refers to as being favourably disposed to new ideas, modern methods and change; or
Conservative, which according to same source – is being opposed to great or sudden social change, having preference
for traditional styles and values.
As a political party, whether you are a bit to the right or to the left of the ideology barometer. What Nigerians
crave for, is good governance that translates to: equitable distribution of commonwealth, socio-economic improvement
in standard of living, drastic reduction in the rate of unemployment; poverty eradication, peace and security,
accountability in governance; and stern disposition towards institutionalized corruption.
As we prepare for 2015 general elections. The political parties and politicians should come up with workable manifestos
and programmes that will be in the interest of the people. We want concrete dividend of democracy. The Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) need to update the voters’ list and get all the necessary personnel and materials
organized for a free and fair election; while the voters should use their rights to vote for credible candidates that will
keep their electoral promises. Published in the ACHIEVER’S VOICE magazine, Vol. 1, July 2013