Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Oba Maduabuchi, has warned that the absence of a strong and vibrant opposition is not in the best interest of Nigerians, urging the judiciary to act swiftly in resolving ongoing political disputes affecting opposition parties, especially the PDP.
Speaking on the state of Nigeria’s political landscape, Maduabuchi emphasised that a functional opposition remains critical to maintaining democratic balance. He stressed that without it, the ruling party could dominate unchecked, potentially undermining accountability and good governance.
“It is not in the best interest of Nigerians that we do not have a good and vibrant opposition,” he said, noting that the current uncertainty within opposition parties poses a serious risk to the country’s democratic process.
Maduabuchi particularly highlighted the crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which he described as a key opposition force with deep-rooted support among Nigerians. According to him, internal disputes and unresolved leadership have left the party in a state of confusion at a critical time when preparations for upcoming elections should be underway.
He called on the Supreme Court of Nigeria to expedite hearings on pending cases affecting the PDP, warning that delays could disrupt the electoral process. With party primaries expected to begin as early as April, he noted that uncertainty over leadership positions could weaken opposition readiness.
Maduabuchi further urged the Supreme Court to focus on resolving key questions surrounding the legitimacy of rival leadership factions within the PDP and issues regarding who emerged from the recognized NWC of Damagun, stating that a clear judicial pronouncement would restore stability and allow the party to move forward.
He said, “Whatever anybody says, PDP is in the DNA of many Nigerians. I believe that the actual opposition party in Nigeria is the PDP. I strongly believe, and very tenuously too, that without opposition, the ruling party will ride roughshod over everybody. APC is taking a stroll in the park with a cup of coffee in one hand and deciding who holds what position and whatnot. So, I imagine that the Supreme Court should save Nigerian polity. It should save Nigerian polity. Decide this issue.
“This is a proper situation where the Court of Appeal would say, ‘forget your briefs, address us on these two points.’ Between Turaki and Abdulrahman, who is the proper, who emerged from the recognized NWC of Damagun? Once we know that, that settles the issue. Between the NWC of Turaki and that of Mohammed Abdulrahman, which of them emerged from the accepted National Working Committee of Damagun? Once the Supreme Court decides that, every other thing becomes academic. And I’m only urging the Supreme Court to do that in the interest of Nigeria. That’s the only way Nigeria can move forward.”
Melissa Enoch
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