The Erosion of Nigeria’s Opposition Voices in the House of Representatives

The decline of opposition voices in Nigeria’s House of Representatives is marked by defections, internal conflicts, and a growing alignment with the ruling APC. Once holding a numerical advantage, the opposition is experiencing significant fragmentation, jeopardizing its influence and the democratic framework of governance in Nigeria.

In the past, being part of the opposition within Nigeria’s House of Representatives signified robust debates and significant challenges to the ruling party. Currently, Nigeria is witnessing a gradual erosion of such dissent as defections and internal disputes weaken the opposition’s once formidable stance against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

As of June 2023, the House of Representatives included a historically rare opportunity for the opposition, consisting of a combined majority with 182 seats compared to the APC’s 175. The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held 118 seats, the Labour Party (LP) had 35, and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP) comprised 19. This gave the opposition the chance to significantly shape legislative decisions and serve as a counterbalance to the ruling party’s influence.

However, nearly two years later, this advantage has diminished. Instead of leveraging their numerical strength, opposition members have increasingly defected. Notably, six lawmakers from both the PDP and the LP have shifted to the APC, fragmenting what should have been a cohesive opposition group. This has rendered them largely ineffective and unable to hold the government accountable, as many focus on personal political survival rather than collective opposition.

Political analysts attribute this decline to political patronage, stating that the ruling APC’s control over executive resources makes defection appealing. Lawmakers often prioritize personal benefits over party loyalty, leading to a lack of opposition strength. Furthermore, the PDP’s internal strife and the LP’s failure to establish a robust organizational structure hinder unity and commitment among its members.

The implications of this weakening opposition extend to the very fabric of democracy in Nigeria. Analysts, including Innocent Awuzie, warn that a lack of an effective opposition could lead to unchecked executive power and the erosion of vital democratic principles. Defections not only remove individual voices but also deprive opposition parties of grassroots support and funding, jeopardizing their viability in future elections.

For the opposition to remain significant in Nigeria’s political landscape, it must address internal conflicts, reinforce party discipline, and establish a compelling governance alternative. Analysts insist that lawmakers must resist the temptation of short-term power gains and instead focus on preserving democracy. If not, the Green Chamber Assembly risks fading into mere compliance with the ruling party, leaving opposition voices nearly extinguished.

This article highlights a concerning trend within Nigeria’s House of Representatives, where the opposition is losing its effectiveness due to defections, internal conflicts, and a shift towards alignment with the ruling party. In light of this decline, the essence of democratic governance is under threat, as checks and balances weaken. To prevent a complete erosion of opposition, it is imperative that parties address internal issues, maintain cohesion, and redefine their purpose in the political landscape.

Original Source: businessday.ng