By Oke Rotimi Michael

It must be said that true democracy thrives not in uniformity but in diversity. There is no better way of nurturing and fostering democracy than creating an atmosphere in which dissents are allowed and even encouraged. Political opposition is not something that should be suppressed; rather, opposition parties ought to be afforded the opportunity of organising themselves, mobilising the masses and articulating alternatives to the incumbent government.

The current environment in the politics of Nigeria appears to point to a dangerous trend. Rather than nurturing democracy, there seems to be efforts to strangle it slowly. Opposition parties are increasingly being marginalised, muzzled and in some instances weakened in their capacity to function effectively as watchdogs of governance.

Those who currently occupy positions of power in this country have at one time been regarded as voices of democracy, those against authoritarianism and military rule. But, what happens now makes one wonder about the true motives of such individuals. The posture of those in power no longer conveys a commitment to democracy.

The hasty passing of the 2026 Electoral Act, without proper consultation and consensus-building, has only served to increase these suspicions. Instead of fortifying election processes, some provisions in the Act seem to put a strain on opposition political parties, hindering their participation in the political discourse. Not only is the stipulated period for adherence too stringent, but it disproportionately favours those political parties that have access to government machinery over those who don’t.

Even more alarming is the trend of persecution of opposition political parties using legal and administrative tools. From the Labour Party to ADC, PDP, and then to minor but influential groups like ACCORD, Action Alliance, and APP etc., there seems to be a deliberate attempt to neutralise opposing voices. In all sincerity, a pertinent question arises here: Is Nigeria still upholding its democratic credentials, or are we slowly moving toward a one-party state?

The alleged actions of the Attorney General of the Federation, as published by a leading newspaper in Nigeria, against the opposition political parties have made things even worse. The role of the Attorney General is to act in the interest of the entire federation, irrespective of any political affiliation and not represent just one particular political party. The published report on this high office, as against some selected few opposition political parties, should be looked into seriously.

For example, it is not true that the ACCORD party is a sleeping or dead political party in Nigeria. The political party has proven itself to be an electable organisation by winning seats at the state assembly in Imo State and well as councillorships in Jigawa State. What is more significant about the party is the fact that, it boasts of a sitting governor in Osun State – Senator Ademola Adeleke, and other several house of representative members and senators.

It would not make sense for such a good standing political party – ACCORD to be deregistered under the name of enforcing the constitution. This act would portray a degree of political intolerance which does not augur well for democracy.

It is high time Nigerians begin to ask themselves some difficult questions. If the ruling party is enjoying broad-based public support, then what is the cause for such fear and intimidation of the opposition? What is behind imposing short and unfavourable timetables and policies on the other political parties, when the ruling party obviously has inherent structural advantages?

The essence of democracy in any nation can be seen in its capacity to embrace different opinions and interests. Intimidation of opposition parties only leads to weakness of governance rather than its strengthening because it fosters complacency and impunity in the leaders, making them oblivious to public opinion.

This is no longer an internal affair of Nigeria. The entire international community and all those who cherish democracy have a responsibility to note this matter.

For emphasis, note that this is not an opposition to the rule of law, but an insistence that the rule of law not become an instrument of political oppression. This is a call for the preservation of the tenets of justice, equity, and fairness which define democratic governance.

No nation can afford to find itself sliding into a one-party system through deliberate manipulations. Nigeria’s democratic experience has been strenuous, and this process cannot be compromised.

The message is clear and immediate: let other political parties have breathing space. Let there be room for all in the political game. Conduct free and fair elections. Allocate enough time for organisational work and primaries. Finally, listen to the voice of the people.

Failure to do this is no democracy, but dominance.

Hon. Oke Rotimi Michael writes from Sagamu