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The role of opposition in
Nigerian politics
Wahab O. Egbewole* and Muhtar A. Etudaiye
Department of Jurisprudence and International Law, Faculty of
Law, University of Ilorin, P. M. B. 1515, Ilorin, Kwara
State, Nigeria.
*Corresponding author. E-mail:
muhtaretudaiye@yahoo.com.
Accepted 27 May, 2010 |
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In a political and truly democratic endeavour, the
foundational basis for balance leads to the horizontal
separation of powers rather than any vertical formulation of
any kind of corruption of this pragmatic ethos. Central to
this balance in government is that of the expression of
opposition on a parallel political level. This paper delves
into the nature, both legal and philosophical, of opposition
in politics generally and in Nigeria, in particular. This is
written in a period of genuine befuddlement in Nigeria in
view of the present muffling of opposition. The paper
concludes that the role of opposition is sacrosanct as it is
essential to the smooth running of any representative
democracy. It has helped in galvanizing the citizenry to
partake in government’s activities; define issues in the
psyche of the ruler and the ruled; present political
candidates whose candidature are founded more on issues and
less on sex, tribe or religion; accept the responsibility of
governance on an agenda that is rate-based. Government must
therefore, at all levels strive to open the channels of
expression and encourage individuality of opinions as this
helps in opening up debates for the polity, leading to
better thought-out policies.
Key
words:
Nigeria, role, opposition, politics. |
