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By Lawrence Agbo
Former Resident Electoral Commissioner of INEC, Mike Igini, has raised concerns over what he described as a weakening of the opposition in Nigeria, warning that the trend poses a serious threat to the country’s democratic future.
Speaking on Politics Today, the former Resident Electoral Commissioner of the Independent National Electoral Commission said democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant and credible opposition capable of holding the government accountable.
Igini stressed that the absence of a strong opposition undermines checks and balances, noting that the sustainability of democratic governance depends on the ability of opposing voices to challenge policies and offer alternatives.
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“The institution of democracy will have no future if we don’t have an opposition,” Igini said.
He also cautioned that, beyond opposition politics, the rule of law and an independent judiciary remain critical to preserving democracy, warning that any erosion of these institutions could trigger systemic decline.
According to him, Nigeria’s democracy risks long-term damage if key institutions, including the opposition and judiciary, continue to weaken.
“A democracy without the rule of law, a courageous, independent judiciary has in it a virus that will lead to its death. This is the challenge of our country,” he said.
