Everywhere beautiful does politics: the opposition of Nigeria in crisis

From the return of Nigeria to democracy in 1999, the political panorama has resembled a drama of Nollywood without end of the end of several parts, numerous twists and turns of the plot and no real conclusion. The saga continues, often devoid of ideological substance, led by personal interests rather than national progress.

As a student of political science and journalist with over a decade of experience, I have always found the definition of Harold Lasswell’s policy “that gets what, when and how” both deep and disturbingly accurate. In Nigeria, politics has become an intense scramble for scarce resources and defection has become a strategic tool to obtain proximity to power and privilege.

But this raises a critical question: what is the value of democracy without a strong and principle opposition?

This article, entitled “The future of opposition policy”, is a reflection and a alarm bell, especially for “beautiful face” politicians and “i-all” political actors who have transformed our political process into a market of convenience.

A look in the past

In the First Nigerian Republic, the political parties although largely regional, had identifiable ideologies. The Northern People’s Congress (NPC), Action Group (AG) and the National Council of Nigerian Citizens (NCNC) each had a distinct philosophical underestimation point, with the NCNC that distinguished itself for its nationalistic orientation. Although not perfect, these holidays were guided by beliefs and political, not just personality.

Contrast it with the fourth republic, which began in 1999. Today’s political parties often lack an ideology, vision or clear integrity. The politics “everywhere beautiful” dominates the scene, in which politicians change alliances such as passengers who climb to get on board a Molue Lagos, without concern for the destination, only for the race.

The defection of 2013 and its inheritance.

The most significant political realignment in modern Nigerian history occurred in 2013, when several opposition parties joined the All Progressives Congress (APC), leading to the defeat of the Popular Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015. This merger was not only opportunistic, it concentrated: a return of power to the north.

The coalition was formed by:

* Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN): with control in six states and led by Bola Tinubu, ACN had a strategic leader who operated with foresight, not with noise.

* Congress for progressive change (CPC): founded by Muhammadu Buhari, a three -time presidential candidate and relentless critic of the PDP.

* New PDP faction (NPDP): led by artists of the caliber of Atiku Abubakar, Bukola Saraki, Rabiu Kwankwaso and Rotimi Amaechi, who deserted from the PDP to align themselves with the APC due to the internal crisis and the push for the rotation of power.

This coalition, although devoid of a shared ideology, had at least one unified objective. He presented a formidable opposition front capable of disturbing a president in the session. But where is that sense of purpose today?

The present: a weak and disconnected opposition

Fast ahead until 2025. The APC has been in power for a decade eight years under Buhari and now two under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The opposition has become largely dormant. Instead of a united and intentional front, what we see is a scramble of hays that seek personal relevance.

Whispers of a new coalition involving Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Nasir El-Rufai are emerging. But what is the goal of this alliance? Is it to serve Nigeria or simply to establish political scores?

For Atiku Abubakar, former vice -president and presidential presidential contender: Lord, you have contested more elections than most of the democratic history of this country. How far the ambition gives way to the statesman? As the Scriptures says, “take care of you and be on guard against all brands …” (Luke 12:15). And the Koran also warns against selfish desires.

To Peter Obi and El-Ruphai: what is your articular ideological compass? What binds you together in addition to a common opponent? A coalition without a clear purpose is only a noise: on board today, forgotten tomorrow.

A word to the party in power

President Tinubu, your recent comments on Nigeria who become a party state are, frankly, non -state unmanne. Democracy thrives on dissent, criticism and alternatives. A strong opposition guarantees responsibility. Surrounded only with loyalists who say “yes lord” can feel good in the short term, but is dangerous for governance and democracy.

Even those who join your party for convenience cannot be trusted to stay. As with all political things in Nigeria, personal interest exceeds loyalty.

A call to true opposition

If the established opposition data continue to chase the personal income instead of the national reform, then the Nigerians take on the role of the opposition themselves, through civil discourse, activism and asking for answers.

For parties such as the Labor Party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC): now it’s your time. Lists clearly, purpose and integrity. Be more than pawns in elite chess games. It becomes the credible alternatives that Nigeria desperately needs.

Nigeria deserves a vision policy, not a revenge. A policy of ideology, not of opportunity.

Only then will our democratic journey finally reach a significant conclusion not only another part 5 of a series of Nollywood.

Ademola Lawrence, writes from Abuja