By Rita Ebiuwa
Fresh judicial recognitions of leadership factions within major opposition parties have triggered allegations of a calculated strategy by the ruling party to weaken Nigeria’s opposition ahead of future elections.
Since Wednesday, developments within the judiciary have drawn sharp reactions across the political space. A court decision first recognised Senator Nnadi Esther Usman as National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP). Barely 24 hours later, another judicial move validated the Turaki-led executive of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
Political observers and opposition voices argue that the back-to-back recognitions are neither accidental nor coincidental, but part of a broader political calculation by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
According to critics, the strategy initially sought to destabilise opposition parties by infiltrating and compromising their leadership structures. While this approach reportedly succeeded in some parties, it is said to have failed in the African Democratic Congress (ADC), forcing a change in tactics.
In the Labour Party, internal disputes allegedly deepened after former chairman Julius Abure was accused of prioritising personal interests over party cohesion. In the PDP, Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum has been criticised for aligning the party with the political interests of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, a move opponents say undermined the party’s founding ideals.
However, the ADC is viewed by its supporters as a different case entirely. Party leaders, including former Senate President David Mark, are described as resistant to pressure, inducement, or intimidation, making the party difficult to manipulate.
Analysts sympathetic to the ADC argue that the apparent judicial push to stabilise and recognise factions in other opposition parties is aimed at ensuring they all field candidates nationwide. The ultimate goal, they claim, is to fragment opposition votes and ease the path to victory for President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
“A divided opposition has always been the ruling party’s strongest advantage,” a party source said. “What we are witnessing is political and judicial choreography designed to scatter opposition strength.”
Despite these developments, ADC leaders insist the party remains the only “genuine and uncompromised” opposition platform, stressing that its members are united and focused on dislodging what they describe as a failed government.
They also warn that the recent judicial interventions are not driven by justice or internal party democracy, but by political expediency aimed at weakening collective opposition strength.
As Nigeria approaches another critical political phase, opposition figures are calling for renewed unity, warning that without a common front, removing the APC from power will remain difficult.
“At this point in Nigeria’s history, unity is not optional,” ADC supporters insist. “It is the key.”
Culled from ADC Media Organisation X handle account.
