Strong political parties, opposition vital for good governance, says Speaker Abbas

Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen said on Thursday that strong political parties and a strong opposition are vital to the survival of any democracy.

The Speaker who spoke at the launch of the book, 100 years of political parties in Nigeria compiled by the Inter Party Advisory Council in Abuja also harped on the need for internal party democracy to strengthen party politics and the democratic culture.

Speaker Abbas said Nigeria’s return to civil rule in 1999 marked a new beginning for the nation after over 30 years of military hiatus, adding that with Olusegun Obasanjo emerging as president under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the journey towards democratic consolidation began in Nigeria.

Represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Speaker said “the PDP’s long-standing stay in power without military interference showed that democracy had come to stay. This motivated different political groups to continue to strengthen the process and seek political office.

“The formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) alliance in 2013, was the beginning of such moves as it marked the first significant political realignment since Nigeria’s independence and creating a pan-Nigerian political movement with stronger nationalist focus.

“The APC’s victory in the 2015, 2019 and 2023 elections represented a critical shift in Nigeria’s historical narrative. And, this is where we are working hard to build from the challenges that led to the collapse of previous republics.

“However, the new government also faced challenges, including an increasing insurgency from groups like Boko Haram, widespread corruption, economic hardship, and continuous ethnoreligious tensions.

“As of 2025, Nigeria’s political landscape remains fraught with challenges exacerbated by governance failures, mismanagement, and lack of infrastructural development.

“Political parties continue to operate within an environment characterized by clientelism and patronage systems, whereby loyalty is rewarded materially rather than through effective governance or policy initiatives.

“These issues have contributed to weaken the institution of Democracy and contribute to the crisis of a disillusioned electorate, highlighting the need for systemic reforms to strengthen democratic processes and restore public trust.

“What remains true is that strong political parties, including an active and vibrant opposition, are not only important but absolutely necessary for the consolidation of democracy in our dear country.

“Political parties must serve as platforms for ideation, policy innovation, and citizen engagement, rather than tools for personal aggrandizement or factional dominance. The vibrancy of a democracy is measured not just by the strength of its ruling party, but also by the ability of its opposition to provide constructive criticism and alternative pathways for governance.

“Democracy is about competition and political parties must fashion strategies of inclusivity and ensure that members of the political parties are fully involved in the decision making process of the party in order to take ownership of the activities of the party.

“Internal democracy within the political parties must play a role in ensuring the emergence of political representations. It is by so doing that we will eliminate imposition and godfatherism that has over the years characterised our political management. To consolidate our democracy is a duty of all democrats in Nigeria and we must take the bull by the horn. The time is now.”