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Prof Omo Omoruyi reveals what the opposition parties in Nigeria must do to win 2027 election

opera.com 2025/2/16

Professor Omo Omoruyi of the Centre for Democratic Studies has raised concerns about Nigeria's evolving political landscape, particularly under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He highlighted parallels between the APC's growing dominance and the era of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) under former President Olusegun Obasanjo, warning of the potential consequences for Nigeria's democracy.

In a report by Daily Post, Omoruyi pointed out that the opposition has become increasingly fractured, with many of its leaders defecting to the APC in pursuit of political relevance and financial benefits. This trend, he argued, is not only weakening the opposition but also exposing systemic flaws within Nigeria's democratic institutions, where patronage politics undermines the integrity of governance.

The professor also emphasized the pressures facing opposition leaders from their constituencies. Many constituents perceive alignment with the APC as a pathway to accessing resources, further eroding the opposition's ability to provide meaningful resistance to the ruling party. This dynamic, he warned, threatens to dismantle the checks and balances necessary for a healthy democracy.

Omoruyi cautioned that if the current trend persists, Nigeria risks reverting to a one-party system. He noted that without a strong and credible opposition, the essence of democratic elections could be lost, leaving voters with limited choices and undermining the legitimacy of the political process.

Looking ahead to the 2027 elections, Omoruyi stressed the urgent need for opposition parties to reorganize and rebuild grassroots support. A united and credible opposition is essential, he argued, to provide a viable alternative to the ruling party and restore balance to Nigeria's political landscape.

Omoruyi called on opposition leaders to challenge the culture of patronage politics and prioritize long-term strategies for strengthening their parties. He reiterated that a vibrant opposition is crucial for democracy, warning that failure to act now could have lasting consequences for Nigeria's political future.

He said, “The opposition must reorganize and present itself as a united, credible alternative. Without this, voters may have no real choices, and the political landscape will remain unbalanced.”

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