Democracy Requires Responsible Opposition, Not Endless Agitation

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Democracy Requires Responsible Opposition, Not Endless Agitation

By Hon. Daniel Asekhame

Democracy guarantees every citizen the constitutional rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and legitimate protest. These rights are fundamental and must always be protected. However, with those rights comes a corresponding responsibility to exercise them in a manner that promotes national stability, strengthens democratic institutions, and advances the collective interest of the nation.


As a believer in rapid and sustainable development, I hold the view that once elections have been concluded, all legal challenges have been exhausted, and a President or Governor has been duly sworn into office, every patriotic citizen should place the country's progress above political differences. Constructive engagement should replace endless political confrontation.


This is why I do not support the style of opposition politics associated with Omoyele Sowore. In my opinion, frequent calls for protests and continuous agitation, particularly when they are not accompanied by practical policy alternatives, risk creating unnecessary political tension rather than contributing to national development.


Opposition is indispensable in every democracy, but it should be responsible, issue-based, and solution-oriented. The role of the opposition is not simply to oppose every action of government. Rather, it should scrutinize government policies, identify genuine shortcomings, offer credible alternatives, and support initiatives that benefit the people.


No administration is perfect. Every government will make mistakes, and citizens have every right to demand accountability. Nevertheless, there is a significant difference between constructive criticism aimed at improving governance and constant confrontation that may distract public institutions from delivering on their mandates.


Investors, both local and foreign, are attracted to nations where political stability, social peace, and policy consistency prevail. Persistent political unrest, recurring protests, and an atmosphere of perpetual crisis can undermine public confidence, discourage investment, slow economic growth, and ultimately affect the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.


Supporting a government does not mean surrendering one's principles or abandoning accountability. It means recognizing that national development requires cooperation between leaders and citizens. Where government policies are beneficial, they should be encouraged. Where they fall short, they should be criticized fairly, respectfully, and with practical recommendations for improvement.


The ultimate judgment of any government belongs to the people through the ballot box. Democracy already provides a peaceful and constitutional avenue for citizens to replace leaders who fail to meet expectations. Until then, our collective responsibility is to contribute to an atmosphere that allows governance to function effectively while continuing to demand transparency, accountability, and respect for the rule of law.


Nigeria needs fewer political battles and more practical solutions. Our energy should be directed toward creating jobs, improving infrastructure, strengthening security, reforming education, and expanding opportunities for our youth. These are the issues that should dominate our national conversation.


I remain committed to the ideals of democracy, but I also believe democracy flourishes best when opposition is responsible, criticism is constructive, and every Nigerian places national development above political rivalry. Our nation will make faster progress when we work together to build rather than constantly seek to divide.


Hon. Daniel Asekhame

Former Chairman, Owan West Local Government Area

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