Democracy is not a choir singing one song; it is a vibrant marketplace of diverse ideas where different voices drive national progress. Recent political shifts in Nigeria clearly indicate a dangerous move toward political uniformity, as opposition parties weaken and defections into the ruling space accelerate.
This trend severely threatens democratic governance and, most importantly, the future of Nigerian youths.
Opposition parties are not enemies of the government; they are vital pillars of democracy. They scrutinise executive actions, challenge ineffective policies, and bolster transparency and accountability. When opposition voices fade or vanish, power becomes overly concentrated, oversight diminishes, and governance declines. For Nigerian youths, this results in fewer political options, limited electoral choices, and fewer opportunities for participation, leadership, and innovation.
Historically, opposition platforms have been crucial in cultivating young leaders through youth wings, reform movements, and civic engagement structures. As these platforms weaken or are absorbed into dominant political entities, many young Nigerians are excluded from meaningful political participation. Some are forced to conform silently within entrenched systems, while others disengage entirely or seek opportunities outside politics. This loss of political vitality fundamentally undermines democratic renewal.
It is critical to emphasise that the President is not the core issue here. Democracy allows for political realignments and personal loyalties. The genuine concern lies with governors and senior political figures who defect mainly for personal, regional, or short-term gain rather than to advance national interests or reforms. These actions, driven by political opportunism, weaken institutions and send a damaging message to young people—that politics is about access to power, not service, competence, or ideas.
Without a robust opposition, governance stagnates. Policy debates become superficial, errors go unchallenged, and vital youth-related issues—such as unemployment, access to education, social inclusion, and mobility—receive scant attention. Nigeria does not need political uniformity; it needs vigorous competition, credible alternatives, and inclusive spaces where young people can contribute meaningfully to the nation’s development.
The collapse of opposition politics is more than a party issue; it is a national democratic crisis. When all political actors operate within the same space, questioning authority becomes difficult, accountability weakens, and unchecked power fosters corruption, impunity, and unresponsive leadership.
Conclusion
The decline of opposition politics is a profound blow to the nation’s future. For Nigerian youths, it is like being pushed further back in an already crowded queue for opportunity and leadership. As powerful political actors consolidate influence, the space for young aspirants narrows, and even those within governance structures struggle to remain relevant amidst entrenched interests.
In a system lacking genuine competition, the promise of “your turn” becomes an illusion. When historical monopolies dominate political space, the future suffers. Nigeria must defend a vibrant, competitive democracy—one that preserves opposition voices, promotes accountability, and opens pathways for youth participation, leadership, and shaping the nation’s destiny.
Signed:
Obaji Marshal
Political Analyst and Youth Advocate
