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By Jude Chinedu, Enugu
A political pressure group, The Alternative, has blamed ethnic divisions for the weakness of Nigeria’s opposition, arguing that these divisions prevent a united and effective challenge to the ruling party.
Speaking at a town hall in Enugu, the group’s convener, Segun Showunmi, criticised opposition parties for failing to meaningfully engage with electoral and governance issues.
He dismissed the idea that merely forming new political parties would solve deeper structural problems in Nigeria’s electoral process.
“We have examined the conduct of political parties, and the general perception is that only the ruling party is prepared for elections. We cannot continue with a system where people seek new platforms just for the sake of contesting,” Showunmi stated.
He emphasised the need for advocacy on electoral issues rather than multiplying political parties.
“There are already 18 parties. Even if we register another one, how does that stop vote buying? If only 25 million people vote and a president emerges with just 8 million, what difference will a new party make?” he asked.
Showunmi argued that ethnic and sectional sentiments further weaken opposition efforts to mobilise citizens and challenge electoral malpractices.
He urged politicians to rise above tribal affiliations and build a more inclusive and issue-based movement. He also faulted opposition parties for failing to educate voters and tackle electoral fraud.
“An opposition movement should address flaws in the electoral process. It is not the federal government that stops people from voting or encourages vote buying, it is the politicians themselves,” he said.
