Democracy Then And Now- If We Are Pushed, We Will Jump - Lauretta Onochie.

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Nigeria’s democracy has always been a work in progress, strengthened not by perfection but by the willingness of leaders to respect the principles that sustain a democratic nation. One such principle is the freedom of political choice — the right of citizens and politicians alike to belong to any political party without fear, intimidation, or coercion.

Under the leadership of Pres. Muhammadu Buhari, Nigeria witnessed a governing style that, despite its criticisms, broadly respected the existence and operation of opposition parties. Governors, legislators, and political actors across party lines exercised their constitutional rights to associate freely. 

It was not unusual to see governors from opposition parties accompany the president on official trips abroad or participate in national engagements without suspicion or political hostility.

Indeed, during his campaigns, Pres. Buhari repeatedly urged Nigerians to vote for candidates of their choices, regardless of religion, ethnicity, or party affiliation. That message was a recognition that democracy thrives when citizens are free to decide their political destiny without undue influence from those in power.

The situation under Bola Ahmed Tinubu is markedly different. The governing style of the current administration has raised serious concerns about the health of Nigeria’s democracy. Increasingly, political opposition is being stifled through intimidation, coercion, and the weaponization of state institutions thst have been conquered by those in power.

Opposition governors and legislators have reportedly come under immense pressure to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress. 

In several instances, the country has witnessed political figures facing sudden investigations, arrests, or prosecutions after resisting pressure to align with the ruling party. Security and anti-graft institutions — including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the Department of State Services, and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission — have been accused in the public discourse of being used as instruments of political compliance rather than impartial agencies of graft and justice.

Only yesterday, it emerged that the illegal detention of the enfant terrible of Nigerian, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, would come to an end, should he agree to quit politics. To think that Tinubu who is nearly 90 years old or more, is already campaigning for 2027 but El-Rufai in his 60s, must retire from politics, is taking desperation, too far.

Such developments, if left unchecked, risk creating the dangerous perception that Nigeria is drifting toward a one-party state. That trajectory would contradict the very foundation of the Republic.

After destroying the PDP and the Labour party, they have set their eyes on the popular, far-reaching nationally acclaimed ADC. Gullible and hungry charlatans are being funded to make non-existing cases from non issues against the African Democratic Congress. 

Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a political empire controlled by one individual, his long-term thugs, or one party. 

Democracy means competition of ideas. It means multiple political parties freely organizing, campaigning, and presenting alternatives to the electorate. It means citizens choosing their leaders without fear and politicians holding divergent views without facing persecution.

A healthy democracy requires a STRONG opposition. Opposition parties are not enemies of the state; they are essential partners in governance. They provide scrutiny, offer alternative policies, and ensure that those in power remain accountable to the people.

The ruling party today must remember that the Nigeria that exists today was shaped by decades of struggle against authoritarian rule. Nigerians fought hard to move away from military dictatorships and single-party dominance toward a pluralistic democratic system.

Any attempt — deliberate or otherwise — to weaken opposition voices undermines the democratic gains the nation has worked so hard to achieve.

Those in power today should also remember a simple political truth: power is transient. Today’s ruling party may be tomorrow’s opposition. The democratic norms weakened today may be the very protections needed tomorrow.

For Nigeria to remain stable, united, and democratic, the right of every Nigerian — governor, legislator, activist, or ordinary citizen — to belong to any political party must be respected. Democracy does not demand uniformity. It demands freedom. And that freedom must never be negotiated away. 

If that freedom of association given to Nigerians by our Constitution continues to be trampled upon by the lawless bunch presiding over our nation, we will mobilise Nigerians for the mother of all peaceful protests, such that has never been seen in this country.

God bless Nigeria.
Lauretta Onochie 
@Laurestar 

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