Opposition Must Lead Nigeria Out of Crisis, Says Osereme Omofoma

The Labour Party (LP) candidate for Edo Central in the 2023 general elections and 2025 by-elrctions, Osereme Christen Omofoma has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at a crossroads and that opposition parties must restructure urgently to offer a credible alternative to the current government.
Speaking on a national broadcast, Omofoma stressed that opposition is not merely a political rival but a vital pillar of democracy. “Opposition exists to challenge, refine, and improve government policies,” he said. “No single party or leader can always be right. Dissenting voices are essential to steer the country in the right direction.”
He lamented that in Nigeria, opposition is often treated as adversarial or even antagonistic rather than constructive. “In countries like the UK and France, opposition parties are integrated into governance structures, advising and guiding decision-making. Here, we treat opposition like an enemy. That approach does not serve our democracy,” Omofoma said.
The analyst pointed to recent political defections as evidence of a broader realignment in Nigerian politics. Notably, the former Kaduna State governor’s move from the All Progressive Congress Democratic Party (APC) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) reflected a growing awareness among politicians that the country needs viable alternatives. “People are repositioning themselves not for personal gain, but to build parties capable of providing better governance,” he explained.
Omofoma was blunt about the state of governance today: “If you ask Nigerians on the streets—from the markets of Lagos to the towns of the Northeast—they will tell you life is harder now than it was years ago. Until opposition parties step up with concrete solutions, the country will keep moving in the wrong direction.”
He cautioned against defections motivated by self-interest. “Some switch parties merely to protect positions or access resources. That is opportunism, not genuine reform,” he said.
Omofoma urged opposition leaders to focus on real issues affecting Nigerians, including security, economic stability, welfare, and good governance. “This is about people’s lives, their safety, and their future. Opposition has a responsibility to lead, not just criticize,” he said.
In conclusion, Omofoma called for a united, strategic, and proactive opposition capable of offering credible policy alternatives. “If Nigeria is to move forward, opposition parties must stop playing politics for personal gain and start steering the country toward progress,” he emphasized.