Bring back the opposition, by Engr. Bello Gwarzo Abdullahi, FNSE
No one can deny that when political diversity is wisely managed, it becomes a force for unity, mutual understanding, and a genuine sense of belonging. Nigeria’s political history offers vivid lessons on this truth — particularly from the North, where spirited opposition once enriched democratic engagement and kept power in check.
In the formative years of Nigeria’s politics, the North was not a monolith. The rise of movements such as the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU) under Malam Aminu Kano, the United Middle Belt Congress (UMBC) led by Joseph Tarka, the Borno Youth Movement, and the Yoruba Parapo revealed a region alive with debate and ideological contestation. Each, in its own way, challenged dominance, expanded representation, and deepened democracy.
Malam Aminu Kano’s NEPU stood as a moral compass — the voice of the talakawa — confronting the “family compact rule” and demanding social justice. The UMBC under Tarka provided a dignified platform for the Middle Belt’s minorities to pursue inclusion through democratic means rather than rebellion, thereby strengthening the federation’s plural character.
In the far North-East, the Borno Youth Movement bridged traditional authority and youthful aspiration, creating space for educated youth to channel their frustrations into constructive engagement. Meanwhile, the Yoruba Parapo sought inclusion through dialogue, reinforcing the idea that belonging in the North could transcend ethnicity and language.
Together, these movements embodied constructive diversity — opposition rooted not in bitterness but in the conviction that dissent refines governance. They proved that a society that accommodates divergent voices is stronger, not weaker.
Today, Nigeria finds itself in urgent need of that same spirit. Our democracy is stifled by uniformity, weakened institutions, and a subdued opposition too eager for compromise. When opposition becomes complacent, accountability vanishes — and power, left unchecked, grows deaf to the people.
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The time has come to bring back the opposition — not merely as critics of government but as credible alternatives, armed with ideas and courage. True unity is not the silencing of dissent, but the harmonizing of diverse voices striving toward a common national purpose.
Only then can Nigeria rediscover the energy, vision, and honesty that once made our politics a contest of ideas — not a competition for spoils.
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