Archbishop Josef Bassey, who heads the Cross River Christian Leaders Forum, has stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive with a bold and people-focused opposition.
Speaking in Calabar on Wednesday, he said democratic institutions are strengthened when political actors move beyond desperation to unseat the ruling party and instead focus on principled engagement.
The cleric, who is also the Spiritual Leader of God’s Heritage Nation, said many self-acclaimed opposition figures lack experience, having spent their political lives within ruling parties and unfamiliar with sacrifices required in genuine opposition politics.
“True opposition involves enduring harassment, intimidation and persecution while standing firmly as the voice and shield of ordinary citizens.
“An opposition unwilling or unable to constructively confront power cannot effectively challenge governance failures or earn the trust of the people,” he noted.
He said a principled and credible opposition may lose elections initially but eventually gains popular support through integrity and sacrifice.
He added that opposition parties must be prepared to “take the blows” for citizens to strengthen democracy and offer real alternatives at the polls.
He said democracy cannot exist without options, noting that multiple parties provide citizens platforms to accept or reject governments through elections.
According to him, leaders who suppress opposition often do so out of fear of losing power under a fair and open political environment.
He said effective governance, rather than intimidation, remains the surest path to electoral success, as confident leaders have little reason to fear competition.
Bassey identified elite greed as a major factor behind one-party dominance, saying some politicians rely heavily on access to power for survival.
He added that the fear of prosecution also encourages compliance, warning that even those with clean records can become targets when the state chooses to act.