By Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Guardian Nigeria
Published on 2024-01-22 04:14:45
The idea of combining opposition party structures to form a mega party that could rival the ruling party is not new. Challenges such as leadership concessions and the fate of the union after seizing power can make such mergers difficult. Recently, Professor Pat Utomi, a political economist, revealed that leading opposition parties in Nigeria are joining forces to create a powerful party capable of overthrowing the All Progressives Congress (APC). This announcement has sparked differing opinions among Nigerians, with some expressing optimism that the alliance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) will strengthen Nigeria’s democracy and put pressure on the ruling party, while others dismiss it as wishful thinking.
Utomi’s critics argue that his previous efforts in the 2015 general elections to create a third force and later a Mega Party failed, and that those who believe in his current vision for a unified opposition will be disappointed. Others are skeptical due to failed attempts to convince prominent figures to prioritize the interests of their supporters over personal ambitions.
The concept of opposition parties coming together to challenge the ruling party is not new to Nigerian politics. In the past, political parties such as the Peoples Progressive Alliance (PPA) attempted to unite against the dominant National Party of Nigeria (NPN) in the second republic (1979-1983). The most recent example of such a merger was the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013, which successfully ended the long-standing rule of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Despite the potential benefits of forming a new mega party, some are wary of the distraction it could cause amidst the complex challenges facing the nation. Others argue that a more consolidated political landscape with a smaller number of larger parties would be more beneficial for the country’s democracy.
Overall, the idea of a unified opposition with the potential to challenge the ruling party has garnered both optimism and skepticism from Nigerians. The success of such an endeavor will depend on the ability of opposition leaders to put aside personal ambitions and work towards a common goal of strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
Read the original article on The Guardian
