One of the essential ingredients for the success of any democracy is the presence of a credible and robust opposition. It is essential not only to keep the government on its toes, but also to provide an option to citizens to change any party or individual that fails to keep or actualize promises made during campaigns.
However, the situation in Nigeria at the moment raises doubt on the presence of credible and active opposition.
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Nigerians can easily recall that during the Second Republic, the four other parties -Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Great Nigeria People Party (GNPP), Nigeria People Party (NPP) and Peoples Redemption Party (PRP) – came together to challenge the then ruling party, the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). Their governors formed a formidable coalition while at individual levels their officials kept challenging the ruling party’s programmes wherever there was a failure or perceived failure.
Similarly, after ruling for 16 years, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government was defeated in the 2015 elections because of the formidable opposition mounted by the All Progressives Congress (APC). Prior to that, the party had remained unchallenged because of the absence of a credible alternative. However, in the run-up to the elections, the coming together of the four parties leading to the formation of the APC, changed the situation.
The APC was able to attract governors and legislators elected on the platform of the PDP, into its fold, mounted sustained scrutiny of the ruling party and government as well as mobilizing the electorate. They used both the traditional and social media to express their displeasure over some policies of the then Goodluck Jonathan-led administration and in the end, the party was voted out.
Following its defeat, Nigerians expected it to keep the APC on its toes through constructive criticism where the party errs. But that has not happened. In fact, all Nigerians have witnessed from the party is internal wrangling and one crisis to another.
In the past few months, the PDP has been locked in crisis. Some of its governors have defected to the ruling party; its leadership is highly divided, with some even resigning their positions. Also, many of the key stakeholders are busy trying to position themselves for the next election.
This is not good enough for the country. In fact, PDP has failed the country by not providing vibrant opposition. It is unfortunate that they put personal interests above that of the country. If things are bad in the country today, the PDP contributed by not speaking up loudly against some of the policies.
The action/inaction of the PDP has serious implications as Nigeria from recent events appears to be heading towards a one-party state, and that must not be allowed to happen.
Nigerians deserve alternatives. They have been experiencing myriads of problems largely due to the arrogance of the ruling politicians who feel that they cannot be changed. Politicians in opposition parties must stop thinking of themselves alone, but the country as well. It is indeed true that we have about 18 registered parties, but not much is heard about many of them. Therefore, the PDP must get its act together now and put its house in order.
We call on the leadership of the party and stakeholders to explore all legal means of addressing the issues. Grievances should be addressed to check the wave of defections. People must be ready to make compromises. Personal ambition should give way for the sake of the country. The party should come together and speak with one voice. It is not too late to provide the needed opposition that Nigerians require of it. PDP should criticize policies that it feels are not good for the country, but it should not stop there, it should also provide alternative policies. It should begin now, not wait till during campaigns for the next election.
Vibrant opposition is necessary for democracy to thrive, therefore, PDP must perform its role to ensure that our democracy does not fail otherwise history will not be favourable to them. Also, elections are around the corner, PDP cannot afford to waste any more time on quarrels if it wants to be considered as an alternative.
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