The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum, SMBLF, has warned the ruling All Progressives Congress and the Independent National Electoral Commission against undermining opposition political parties.
The group recently warned APC and INEC against hampering opposition parties via intimidation, inducement, or infiltration.
Speaking via a press statement, the SMBLF shared that democracy thrives only when there is a credible, organized, and vibrant opposition.
According to the forum, the worsening internal bickering and factional crises plaguing several opposition parties must stop as soon as possible.
The group stated that such disputes will only further threaten the nation’s democratic stability.
“At this critical period in our national history, the role of the opposition goes beyond contesting elections. It includes holding the government to account, offering alternative policies, defending citizens’ rights, and ensuring political power is not treated as the birthright of any party,” it read.
The forum highlighted the ongoing disputes within opposition ranks, lamenting that it’ll only keep aiding political monopoly in Nigeria.
SMBLF concluded by urging all opposition parties, regardless of ideological differences, to set aside ego in the interest of Nigeria’s democratic health.
“No ruling party should forget that a political culture which actively sabotages dissent will breed instability, disillusionment, and resistance from the citizenry.
Any democracy without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only. And a democracy where the umpire is compromised is one headed for collapse,” he added.
