Let the opposition breathe

By Olowu E. Aiyedun

DEMOCRACY does not thrive on unanimity. It thrives on contestation, scrutiny, and the constant testing of power by opposing voices. Without opposition parties capable of challenging those in government, democracy gradually becomes hollow, retaining the rituals of elections while losing the substance of accountability. This is why recent developments surrounding the leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress deserve careful national attention. At a time when Nigeria’s democratic space is already shrinking due to the weakness and fragmentation of opposition parties, any attempt, direct or indirect, to destabilise what remains of organised opposition, particularly the ADC, must be viewed with concern. The responsibility of safeguarding democratic competition does not lie with politicians alone; it also rests with citizens, who must recognise the value of pluralism and defend it when threatened. The controversy surrounding the ADC leadership dispute illustrates how legal developments can easily be misinterpreted in the political arena. Reports about the recent Court of Appeal decision involving Senator David Mark, the National Chairman of the ADC, and Hon. Nafiu Bala Gombe generated confusion among party members and observers.

However, the facts are less dramatic than some interpretations suggest. According to the judgement, the appellate court did not resolve the substantive dispute over the party’s leadership. Instead, it addressed a procedural issue linked to an appeal arising from an ex parte application filed at the Federal High Court. The lower court had declined to grant the interim orders sought by the plaintiff and instead directed that all parties be served and given an opportunity to respond before any decision affecting their rights could be made. This approach aligns with a fundamental principle of justice: courts should hear all sides before issuing orders with far-reaching consequences. The Court of Appeal subsequently dismissed the appeal on the ground that it was procedurally incompetent, as the required leave of court had not been obtained before filing the appeal against an interlocutory directive. Crucially, the appellate court did not invalidate the current leadership of the ADC. On the contrary, it directed that the status quo be maintained pending the hearing of the substantive suit. In practical terms, this means the existing leadership arrangement within the party remains intact while the Federal High Court considers the substantive issues raised in the case. Senator David Mark remains the National Chairman of the ADC, while Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola serves as National Secretary. For many Nigerians, an internal leadership dispute within a political party may appear routine. However, the broader context makes this situation more significant.

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Nigeria’s political landscape has steadily narrowed in recent years. Opposition parties that once commanded significant followings have weakened due to internal crises, defections, and organisational fatigue. Many of these defections, critics argue, are driven by pressure, intimidation, and inducements linked to the ruling APC.  The pattern suggests a broader political calculation: to create an environment in which the ruling party faces limited structured resistance ahead of the 2027 general elections. The ADC has increasingly emerged as one of the few parties attempting to rebuild a credible opposition platform. Its recent political activity, leadership restructuring, and outreach efforts have attracted attention among citizens seeking stronger alternatives. This growing relevance has also heightened political tensions. Critics argue that efforts are being made to destabilise the party and weaken its leadership through legal and political pressure. This is why Nigerians should pay close attention to developments within the ADC. The issue is not merely about personalities or positions; it is about whether Nigeria’s democratic system will continue to allow space for opposition parties to organise, grow, and compete effectively. In any democracy, the ruling party has a responsibility to protect the integrity of the political system. This includes ensuring that opposition parties are not undermined through the misuse of state institutions, political pressure, or inducements.

This responsibility is particularly significant for President Bola Tinubu. Having benefited from a democratic system that allowed opposition politics to flourish, he now has an opportunity to demonstrate the same commitment to preserving political competition. History shows that when ruling parties begin to view opposition as an enemy to be eliminated rather than a rival to be challenged electorally, democratic institutions weaken. The most stable democracies maintain strong opposition movements because they serve as a check on the excesses of power. If the Tinubu administration seeks to strengthen its democratic credentials, it should publicly affirm its commitment to political pluralism and ensure that opposition parties, including the ADC, operate freely within the law. Citizens, too, have a role to play. Democracy ultimately belongs to the people, not politicians. When citizens disengage, institutions become vulnerable to manipulation by powerful actors. Supporting opposition parties does not mean endorsing all their positions; it means recognising their role in sustaining political competition. Without viable opposition, elections become predictable and governance less accountable. Policies go unchallenged, mistakes remain uncorrected, and institutions gradually lose independence.

The strength of a democracy is measured not only by how governments are elected, but also by how effectively they can be challenged. The ongoing efforts to weaken the ADC present a clear risk to political pluralism. Nigeria’s democracy, though resilient, remains a work in progress. Its long-term stability depends on maintaining an environment where multiple parties can compete freely and fairly.For this reason, the situation within the ADC should not be dismissed as a narrow internal dispute. It reflects a broader question about the future of political competition in Nigeria. What the country needs now is not the weakening of opposition, but its strengthening. A healthy democracy requires robust debate, credible alternatives, and institutions that ensure fairness.

President Tinubu and the ruling APC have an opportunity to demonstrate leadership by reaffirming their commitment to democratic pluralism. Allowing opposition parties to function without interference is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of confidence in the democratic process.

At the same time, the ADC must continue to strengthen its internal structures, resolve disputes transparently, and present a clear vision for Nigeria’s future.

If both government and opposition rise to these responsibilities, Nigeria’s democracy will emerge stronger. But if opposition voices are stifled, whether through political pressure or institutional manipulation, the consequences could be far-reaching.

Democracy cannot survive without opposition. In today’s Nigeria, protecting that opposition is not just a political necessity, it is a national duty.

•Comrade Aiyedun writes in from Osogbo, Osun State, via [email protected]