Igbo leaders warns against suppression of opposition, says it destroys democracy

Elite Nigerian intellectuals, traditional rulers, and stakeholders under the banner of Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT) have issued a stern warning against the systematic suppression of opposition parties in the lead-up to the 2027 general elections. The group asserts that a vibrant opposition is essential for democratic development and cautioned that the current clampdown could seriously compromise the integrity of the upcoming polls.

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The democracy we are enjoying in Nigeria did not come on a platter. It is a product of a long-drawn political struggle against military rule. Ironically, those in power in Nigeria today, who do not want the opposition to breathe, pride themselves as key players in the struggle for the restoration of democracy in Nigeria. The same people who claim to be champions of democracy are emasculating the opposition.

The ILT's position comes in the wake of concerns raised by Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC). Obi has voiced fears for his safety and reported systematic frustration of his businesses. The group also noted several judicial pronouncements targeting key opposition parties, which they believe are designed to destabilize their election preparations. They recalled past threats against Obi, including a warning from Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and an incident where gunshots were fired at Obi and his entourage during political activities in Edo.

According to the ILT, the deliberate weakening of the opposition could destabilize Nigeria's hard-won democracy and lead to significant political instability. In a statement signed by President Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi and Secretary Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, the group condemned the alleged use of state institutions, including the judiciary, security agencies, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to incapacitate opposition parties and prevent them from effectively competing with the ruling party.

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The Igbo Leaders of Thought strongly condemns the ongoing suppression of opposition in Nigeria. If not curbed, it could derail plans for the 2027 general election, cause serious political instability, and derail our hard won democracy. Nigeria cannot afford another major political crisis arising from election. The country suffered dearly because of the mistakes of past elections.

"The democracy we are enjoying in Nigeria did not come on a platter," the ILT stated, emphasizing that it was the product of a long struggle against military rule. They expressed dismay that those currently in power, who were once champions of democracy, are now allegedly preventing the opposition from operating freely. The group warned that Nigeria cannot afford another major political crisis stemming from elections, referencing past events like the 1962 'Operation Wetie' protests in Western Nigeria and a disputed governorship election in the Second Republic that led to upheaval and ultimately the first military coup in 1966. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat the mistakes," the ILT cautioned.

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Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat the mistakes.