‘Don’t damage opposition or democracy’

The Southern and Central Belt Leader Forum (SMBLF) has issued a stern warning to the Congress of all Progressive (APC) and the Independent National Election Commission (Inec), warning them to the weakening of the opposition parties through intimidation, persuasion, infiltration, or other hidden tactics.

This group emphasizes that Nigerian democratic survival depends on pluralism and strong and credible opposition.

In a joint statement signed by Oba Oli Ladipo, Afenifere Chair; Senator John Azuta-Mbata, President Ohanaze Ndigbo; Ambassador Godnows Igali, President Pandef; and Dr. Pogu Bitrus, President of the Middle Belt Forum (MBF), on Thursday, the forum stated: “In this critical period in our national history, the role of opposition beyond the fighting elections. This includes requesting government accountability, offering alternative policies, defending citizens’ rights, and ensuring political power is not treated as born from any party.”

Leaders voiced concern over the deepening of internal quarrels and factional crises in several opposition parties, warning that such divisions damage democratic stability and open the way for political monopoly. They asked the opposition group to put aside the ego, ambition, and small competition for the sake of the country’s political health.

“There is no ruling party that must forget that the political culture that actively won differences of opinion will give instability, disappointment, and resistance from citizens,” the statement added.

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Overcoming Inec directly, the forum reminded the commission of its constitutional role as an impartial election referee. This urges the body to increase mechanisms to resolve intra-party disputes, ensure transmission of real-time election results, avoid selective intervention, and openly reiterate its neutrality.

SMBLF notes that the disturbance during the last presidential election has eroded public trust, warning that:

“Democracy without effective opposition is democracy only in names, and democracy where the referee is compromised is one to collapse.”

This forum reiterates its readiness to work with all political actors to strengthen democratic culture, uphold justice, and ensure that the will of the Nigerian people remains the highest.

While the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labor Party (LP), Coalition of the United Political Party (CUPP), and the Arwa Consultative Forum (ACF) all expressed support for the SMBLF position, both APC and Inec have not commented when submitting this report.