Nigeria Sliding into Deeper Division, Needs Structural Reform, Declares Ayo Opadokun

Chief Ayo Opadokun, a prominent figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), has issued a stark warning regarding Nigeria's trajectory, asserting that the nation is sliding into deeper division and instability. His pronouncements at a national conference organized by the Nigerian Human Rights Community underscore a critical assessment of the country's current state, emphasizing the urgent need for far-reaching constitutional and governance reforms.

Opadokun's analysis points to a troubling reality: Nigeria's diversity, which should be a source of strength, has become a fault line due to persistent poor governance and structural imbalances. He observes a growing erosion of trust among citizens, exacerbated by deep ethnic, religious, and regional divisions, and a palpable sense of inequality. This fragmentation, he argues, is a direct consequence of how power has been concentrated at the center following military interventions, weakening accountability and fostering sectional dominance.

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Nigeria’s continued unity and stability might be endangered if the country failed to undertake far-reaching constitutional and governance reforms.

Drawing parallels with the Second Republic, Opadokun recalls an era when inclusive governance and a strong national purpose prevailed, driven by merit and collective national interest rather than personal wealth. He laments that subsequent disruptions to democratic development have entrenched inequities and sown seeds of distrust. From a Nigerian perspective, as articulated by ThisDay, Opadokun's call for reform is not merely an academic discussion but a vital imperative for national survival. The emphasis on structural reform and ethnic harmony reflects a deep-seated concern within the country about the sustainability of its unity and the path towards genuine, inclusive development, a perspective often missed in international coverage that may focus more narrowly on political events.

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As a former Assistant Director of Organisation of the Unity Party of Nigeria, I can say without doubt that merit and party responsibility, not personal wealth, determined political opportunities.