Opposition Parties have lost their voices, says Pat Utomi

Political economist and activist, Professor Pat Utomi, has raised concerns over the state of opposition politics in Nigeria, saying most political parties have lost their voices, leaving only a few active citizens on social media to challenge the Federal Government.

Utomi made the remarks on Tuesday at the David Oladipo Leadership Roundtable in Lagos, themed “Nigeria and Opposition Politics.”

He was represented at the event by Dr. Chidi Okpaluba, President of the Centre for Africa Renaissance, Reformation and Development.

He criticised opposition parties for failing to speak up on issues such as electoral reforms and constitutional violations, stressing that without reforms, no opposition party could win elections in Nigeria.

“The only strong opposition we have today is a few active citizens on social media. Outside that, no political party is challenging this government,” Utomi said.

The roundtable convener, Dr. David Oladipo, also faulted opposition parties for abandoning intellectual engagement, which he said weakened their relevance in governance debates.

“Opposition is not just about shouting. It requires designing policies, proposing solutions and putting forward ideas that can compel the ruling party to act,” Oladipo noted.

Participants at the meeting agreed that the weakness of opposition parties threatens Nigeria’s democratic survival. They warned that without urgent reforms and collaboration, the country risks sliding into a one-party state.