Nigeria’s Democracy at Risk as Opposition Voices Fade into Silence

In healthy democracY worldwide, opposition is not merely tolerated; it is celebrated as a fundamental pillar of governance. It plays a crucial role in curbing executive excesses, safeguarding civil liberties, and fostering progressive reforms. From the United Kingdom’s institutionalized “His Majesty’s Loyal Opposition” to the United States’ long-standing rivalry between Democrats and Republicans, history proves that democracy thrives when opposition is strong, principled, and visionary.

These examples demonstrate that the quality of any democracy is reflected in the vibrancy of its opposition. The Labour Party in the UK, while in opposition, pushed for far-reaching reforms in healthcare and education. In the US, bipartisan and intra-party opposition was instrumental in passing the Civil Rights Act of 1964, a landmark victory for equality. These victories underline one fact: opposition, when principled, is not destructive but transformative.

Borrowing to Service Debt May Become Vicious Cycle, Experts Warn FG

Nigeria’s Vanishing Culture of Opposition

Nigeria’s political landscape today paints a worrying picture of a democracy losing one of its most essential foundations—a robust opposition. This was not always the case.

During the First Republic, Nigeria had one of Africa’s most ideologically grounded oppositions. Chief Obafemi Awolowo, leader of the Action Group and later the Unity Party of Nigeria, embodied what opposition leadership could achieve without occupying central power. His years out of government were not spent in idle criticism but in crafting detailed policy alternatives that reshaped governance in the Western Region.

Under his leadership, the region pioneered free primary education, free healthcare, and rural development initiatives. These programs became templates for other regions, proving that opposition backed by vision can redefine a nation’s priorities.

Even during Nigeria’s military era, despite widespread repression, voices of resistance like Gani Fawehinmi, Beko Ransome-Kuti, and NADECO courageously stood up to tyranny, mobilizing citizens and pushing for democratic restoration.

The Rise and Fall of Opposition in the Fourth Republic

The formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 was another defining moment in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Born out of a merger of opposition parties, the APC galvanized public frustration against the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Through strategic messaging and grassroots mobilization, it positioned itself as a credible alternative and, in 2015, achieved a historic victory—defeating an incumbent president at the polls for the first time in Nigeria’s history.

This milestone was not just a triumph for the APC; it was a win for democratic opposition.

However, in a twist of irony, the same party that rode to power on the wave of opposition ideals has, since its ascension, become more associated with silencing dissent than nurturing debate. Meanwhile, the PDP, now in opposition, has struggled to find its ideological footing. Rather than functioning as a strong counterforce, it appears consumed by internal power struggles, political defections, and survivalist tactics.

A Political System Without Ideology

Today, political parties in Nigeria appear devoid of clear ideologies. Defections from one party to another are commonplace, often motivated by personal ambition rather than conviction. This transactional politics erodes diversity of thought and creates a de facto one-party system, where dissent is muted and opposition reduced to an afterthought.

The weakening of opposition is not confined to political parties alone. Institutions that once provided checks on government excesses have also fallen silent.

Silence of Key Institutions

The judiciary, traditionally regarded as the last hope of the common man, is widely perceived as politicized and compromised. Professional bodies like the Nigerian Bar Association, once fearless in speaking truth to power, now issue measured statements or stay conspicuously silent.

Labour unions, which once could paralyze the nation in defense of workers’ rights, have lost their unity and resolve. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC)—which spearheaded mass protests in the early 2000s—have become shadows of their former selves. Even recent demonstrations against fuel subsidy removal lacked coherence and impact.

Student activism, historically a catalyst for political change, has also collapsed. In the era of Segun Okeowo’s “Ali Must Go” protests, the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) was a force to reckon with. Today, it is widely seen as an appendage of the political elite, more interested in patronage than advocacy.

Even religious institutions, once moral beacons against injustice, have grown muted. Clerics who once challenged corruption and tyranny now tread cautiously, their pulpits more diplomatic than prophetic.

Citizens as the Last Opposition

In this vacuum, the mantle of opposition has fallen squarely on ordinary Nigerians. This is both troubling and empowering. Troubling, because citizens should not have to replace structured opposition parties. Empowering, because it highlights the rising civic consciousness of Nigerians, who are increasingly using social media, grassroots organizing, and public advocacy to hold leaders accountable.

Democracy is not self-sustaining; it thrives on active participation. Silence in the face of injustice is complicity, and apathy is a dangerous endorsement of tyranny.

A Call to Reawaken Nigeria’s Democratic Spirit

For Nigeria’s political opposition, the message is clear: rediscover your voice, reconnect with the people, and move from propaganda to policy-driven advocacy. Political parties must stop defections driven by convenience and start delivering ideas that inspire confidence and hope.

For labour unions, student leaders, and religious institutions, the time to reclaim your relevance is now. History will not remember your silence but your action—or your betrayal.

And for the Nigerian people, understand that democracy is not just about voting every four years. It is about persistent civic vigilance—speaking out, organizing peacefully, and challenging bad governance in every space available.

The Last Line of Defense

Nigeria’s democracy stands at a crossroads. If opposition voices—whether political or civic—remain weak or silent, the country risks sliding into a one-party state where dissent is drowned out by complacency and fear.

We, the people, are now the last standing opposition. If we fail to rise, if we surrender to apathy or hopelessness, there may soon be nothing left to oppose—only a nation lamenting what could have been.