A legal practitioner and activist, Maxwell Opara, has strongly criticised calls for an election boycott by opposition parties, describing such a move as “an act of cowardice.” He argued that withdrawing from the electoral process would ultimately weaken the opposition and hand an easy victory to the ruling party.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE News on Tuesday, Opara warned that boycotting elections would not halt the democratic process, stressing that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) would proceed regardless of who participates. According to him, refusing to vote or field candidates only creates a vacuum that benefits those already in power.
He noted that even in extreme scenarios where only one party contests, the electoral body would still conduct the process and declare a winner. This, he said, makes the idea of a boycott both impractical and counterproductive for any serious political group.
“INEC will still go ahead… If it’s only APC… they will go ahead and declare him (President Tinubu) winner,” Opara stated, reinforcing his position that elections cannot be stopped through non-participation.
He further argued that rather than boycott, opposition parties should focus on building strong coalitions capable of resisting electoral manipulation. Unity, he said, remains the most potent weapon against any perceived unfair advantage by the ruling party.
Opara stressed that internal divisions among opposition figures have continued to weaken their chances, making it easier for the ruling party to dominate the political space. He described the lack of coordination as a major setback.
“If the opposition are not united, they’re just wasting time,” he said, urging political actors to put aside personal ambitions for the greater goal of national leadership.
He also highlighted the importance of strategy and preparedness, advising opposition leaders to anticipate challenges and close every possible loophole that could be exploited against them.
According to him, political contests require foresight, discipline, and careful planning, especially when facing experienced opponents. He warned that failure to prepare adequately would only lead to repeated setbacks.
“The best way to solve your problem is to face your problem, not to run away from your problem,” he added, emphasising the need for courage and direct engagement in the political process.
Opara concluded that boycotting elections sends the wrong signal about seriousness and commitment, noting that no legal provision exists to stop elections simply because some parties choose not to participate.
He maintained that meaningful political change can only be achieved through active participation, unity, and strategic planning, insisting that a boycott would neither stop the system nor produce the desired results.
Triumph Ojo
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