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2025: COPDEM calls for a true opposition party in Nigeria

By Rwang Pam Jr.

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Fellow Nigerians,

As we usher in the New Year, the Coalition for the Protection of our Democracy (COPDEM) extends its warmest wishes to all citizens at home and abroad.

While we celebrate the resilience and tenacity of Nigerians, we must confront the alarming reality that our democracy is under threat.

First, we pause to acknowledge the pain and losses many Nigerians have endured over the past year.

We deeply condole with families who have lost loved ones in tragic stampedes this December 2024, acts of insecurity, and during protests against worsening conditions.

The events of August 2024, where over 20 Nigerians—including minors—were killed during peaceful protests, serve as a grim reminder of the price many have paid for daring to speak truth to power.

Additionally, we remember those unjustly detained and those who have lost their lives in the custody of state security operatives.

We cannot forget our children who were arrested, starved, and detained for months for being innocently caught up in the crowd in a country they look up to.

These incidents reflect the growing repression of dissenting voices and the erosion of democratic freedoms.

The indicators are clear: 2023 and 2024 have been among the most trying years in our history, second only to the civil war.

The astronomical rise in the cost of living, the high cost of governance leading to the near extinction of the middle class, and the widespread insecurity have pushed millions into poverty.

Farmers, workers, and citizens live in constant fear, unsure of returning home safely to their loved ones daily.

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Members of the National Assembly rarely reconnect with their constituents, completely cut off from the needs, fears, and hardships faced by the very people they claim to represent.

Furthermore, despite seemingly positive economic policies on paper, the majority of Nigerians remain in abject poverty.

Opposition politicians, rather than standing with the people, have defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to secure personal political survival.

Meanwhile, the judiciary—an institution meant to be the last hope of the common man and the pinnacle of fairness and safeguard of democracy—has been labeled one of the most corrupt globally.

Even progressive moves such as granting autonomy to local governments have been obstructed by state governors and their machineries.

Instead of embracing these agitations as valuable feedback, the executive, legislature, and judiciary seem to have played the ostrich and appear focused on quashing opposition and consolidating their positions to ensure their dominance.

Nigeria is teetering on the edge of becoming a full-fledged one-party state.

At COPDEM, as a Political Action Group (PAG), our civic duty compels us to analyze these troubling trends, forecast their implications, and advocate solutions that can secure and defend Nigeria’s democracy.

The Problem: Indicators of a One-Party State

The current state of our political system reveals troubling trends that jeopardize democratic balance:

1. Widespread Defections: Politicians from opposition parties are defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at an unprecedented rate.

These defections often lack ideological grounding, weakening the opposition and creating a facade of unity while stifling dissent.

2. Brain Drain: Our best and brightest—young professionals, academics, and entrepreneurs—are leaving the country in droves due to political instability and economic stagnation.

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A one-party state discourages creativity, innovation, and diverse political participation.

3. Repression of Dissenting Voices: Journalists, activists, and opposition figures are increasingly subjected to harassment, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests.

This suppression of alternative viewpoints undermines the very essence of democracy.

4. Unattractive Conditions for Foreign Direct: Investment (FDI): A monopolized political environment leads to poor governance and policy inconsistency, deterring foreign investors.

Nigeria’s economic woes persist because the ruling party lacks the competitive pressure to perform better.

5. Erosion of Public Confidence: The electorate is losing faith in the ability of the political system to represent their interests.

This disillusionment threatens voter turnout and weakens the democratic process.

A True Opposition Party

COPDEM calls for the immediate creation of a unified, principled, and visionary opposition party.

We believe that major stakeholders—opposition politicians, civil society organizations, labour unions, and patriotic individuals—must come together to forge a coalition that prioritizes the following:

– Welfare and Security of Nigerians: Any new coalition must place the people at the heart of its agenda, addressing issues like poverty, unemployment, insecurity, and the cost of living.

– Ideological Integrity: This coalition must move away from the politics of opportunism and adopt clear, actionable policies that resonate with Nigerians.

– Inclusivity And Accountability:
A true opposition party in Nigeria must embrace inclusivity, actively involving women, youth, marginalized groups, and individuals living with disabilities.

It should also represent the interests of internally and externally displaced Nigerians, ensuring all voices are heard.

Eliminating Barriers to Participation:
The party must reject the high cost of nomination forms, which has disenfranchised credible candidates and fueled corruption.

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This practice has turned the electoral process into a high-stakes competition, where politicians prioritize recouping their investments over serving the people.

Upholding Democratic Principles:
The coalition must commit to upholding democratic principles, fighting corruption, and promoting good governance.

COPDEM is ready to support such a coalition, provided it embodies these values and works to rebuild public trust.

A Turnaround for Nigeria:
Establishing a robust opposition will bring numerous benefits, including:

1. Democratic Health: A strong opposition ensures checks and balances, holding the ruling party accountable and improving governance.

2. Policy Innovation: Competition fosters creativity, leading to better policies that address Nigeria’s challenges effectively.

3. Economic Revival: A credible political system will restore investor confidence, attract foreign direct investments, and stimulate local industries.

4. National Unity: A transparent and inclusive political process will rebuild trust among Nigerians, uniting us to face our common challenges.

A New Year, A New Resolve:

As we enter 2025, COPDEM renews its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy, advocating for good governance, and defending the rights of all Nigerians.

The time for action is now.

Together, we can ensure that the 2027 elections reflect the will of the people, free from the shadows of a one-party state.

Rwang Pam Jr.

National Chairman, Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM)


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