Once a robust force against the ruling party in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, the opposition is now experiencing significant decline due to defections and internal discord. What began as a collective majority has diminished as politicians prioritize personal gains. This trend poses risks to democracy, raising concerns about effective governance and political competition.
The opposition in Nigeria’s House of Representatives, once a powerful challenger to the ruling party, is now facing a pervasive decline. Rather than engaging in strong debates, the opposition appears to be losing its voice as defections and internal strife compromise its effectiveness. The All Progressives Congress (APC) maintains a dominant influence, and the gravity of this shift threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy.
Initially, upon the commencement of the 10th National Assembly in June 2023, the opposition comprised a collective majority of 182 seats, surpassing the APC’s 175. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) led with 118 representatives, followed by the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). However, this numerical advantage has since dwindled, with numerous defections undermining their position and allowing the APC to regain more control.
As members, specifically from the PDP and LP, defect to the APC, the opposition has fragmented into an ineffective force devoid of unity. Political analysts attribute this trend partially to the lure of political patronage from the ruling party, which offers enticing benefits to legislators seeking personal gain over party loyalty. This political maneuvering has led to a troubling prioritization of personal agendas over collective dissent.
Internal conflicts within the PDP and LP have further weakened their cohesion, giving rise to factional disputes and leadership crises. Without a cohesive strategy or clear principles, many lawmakers have found it easier to defect than to defend their parties’ principles. The resulting loss of talented representatives diminishes the opposition’s capacity to challenge the ruling party’s policies effectively.
The implications of such a decline are alarming for the democratic landscape in Nigeria. Analysts, including Innocent Awuzie, express concerns that a weak opposition undermines vital checks and balances necessary for democracy. This trend, accompanied by defections, diminishes grassroots support and voter confidence, jeopardizing future electoral competition and paving the way for one-party dominance.
To regain relevance, the opposition must address its internal challenges by fostering party discipline and crafting a compelling vision for governance. Lawmakers are urged to resist short-term benefits and instead focus on promoting vibrant democracy. If they fail to remediate their situation, opposition voices may continue to fade, reducing the Green Chamber to a mere extension of the ruling party’s influence.
The decline of Nigeria’s opposition in the House of Representatives underscores a troubling shift in its democratic framework. With defections eroding their strength and internal conflicts undermining unity, the opposition risks becoming irrelevant. Analysts advocate for a revival of party discipline and strategic visioning to restore the vital checks and balances within the democratic process. Maintaining a vibrant democracy hinges on the opposition reclaiming its voice and purpose before it completely fades from the political discourse.
Original Source: businessday.ng
