KANO- Governor Yusuf’s Call for Strong Opposition in Nigeria.
By Bala Salihu Dawakin kudu
December 13, 2024
Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano, through his Deputy Governor Aminu Gwarzo, urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate steps to safeguard the future of opposition parties in the country. This advice came during INEC’s visit to the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) office for its routine party verification, a vital procedure to maintain the integrity of political entities in the nation.
Governor Yusuf’s words carried weight. He emphasized that a virile opposition was not just beneficial, but essential for the survival of any democracy. “The opposition parties in this country are going through hell, politically,” he declared. “All these crises, left, right and center, are artificial. They are being engineered and sponsored.” The Governor, through his representative, underscored that the current state of opposition parties in Nigeria was a direct result of political maneuvering meant to weaken or disband them.
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The survival of the opposition was not negotiable. He called on INEC to develop effective measures to curb any undue influence or actions that could cripple opposition parties, ensuring their role as a balancing force in Nigeria’s democracy. “Without any oxygen in the democracy, opposition is weak and dead, and democracy will fail,” Yusuf warned, emphasizing the critical role that a strong opposition plays in holding the government accountable and fostering transparency.
Despite the challenges facing opposition parties, Governor Yusuf expressed optimism about the future of NNPP. He believed that the party would overcome the current political battles and rise to win more elections, including at the national level. The Governor’s confidence spoke to his vision of a more competitive political landscape where the opposition remains relevant and robust.
During the visit, NNPP’s National Chairman, Ahmed Ajuji, reaffirmed the party’s commitment to playing a significant role in both Kano State, where it is currently in power, and other parts of the country. He also addressed internal party matters, particularly in response to claims made by a faction of expelled former members. These individuals had falsely claimed control over the party, but Ajuji set the record straight, with INEC’s presence at the verification exercise serving as evidence of the legitimacy of the current leadership.
“This is a democratic party. However, we shall not tolerate members who engage in anti-party activities,” Ajuji asserted. His words were clear: no member, regardless of their status, would be allowed to undermine the party’s integrity or violate its constitutional framework. He emphasized that the party’s internal mechanisms would be protected at all costs, a commitment that resonated with the core values of discipline and unity within NNPP.
Adding to the party’s defense, the National Publicity Secretary, Ladipo Johnson, addressed recent legal challenges, particularly a controversial court ruling obtained by a faction led by Dr. Aniebonam. According to Johnson, the judgment was a “ruse” and lacked legal substance. He referred to it as a “pyrrhic victory” and reassured NNPP supporters that efforts to have the judgment overturned were already in progress.
As the political turmoil surrounding NNPP unfolded, the message from Governor Yusuf and his party leadership was clear: the survival of Nigeria’s democracy depended on the strength and integrity of its opposition. Through commitment, discipline, and unwavering dedication to democratic principles, opposition parties like NNPP would continue to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s political future, no matter the challenges they faced.
