OPINION: OPPOSITION PARTIES SHOULD AVOID 2023 MISTAKES

By Chris Edadi 

Each time I open my phone and see members of the same opposition parties struggling for supremacy or trying to run each other down, I smile. Initially, I was also tilting in that same clueless direction, but I’ve come to see things differently after careful reasoning

It’s one thing to engage in a political contest and another to do so with strategic planing knowing your real opponent and how to defeat them, whether through the polls or through collective conquest.

In doing this,  victory should be our ultimate goal; otherwise, it becomes a meaningless jamboree. At the moment, we cannot afford to repeat the same cycle every four years to the advantage of the APC.

However, I can see we are almost repeating the same failed strategy of 2023 that caused  us defeat. 

Old aphorism has it that a house divided against itself cannot stand, and this is exactly what is playing out today. No one should deceive you, politics is a game of strategic negotiation, shared interests, and collective commitment, not personal ambition or narrow-minded sentiment. Proper planning, timing, and unity are the secrets of political success.

In 2023, the ruling party emerged victorious largely because of personal greed, ethnic and religious sentiments, nepotism, and a lack of coherent strategy within the opposition. Instead of confronting the real enemy, the APC, we  have again turned against ourselves: PDP vs PDP in factions, LP vs PDP, etc. 

The ruling APC capitalised on our disunity and emerged victorious. Sadly, we are repeating the same mistake today. If we do not act responsibly and wisely, and fail to align our efforts towards our common opponent, the APC, we risk another tragic outcome in 2027.

The real concern should not be about fighting among the PDP, LP, ADC, SDP, or other opposition parties. Rather, we must look beyond party affiliations and unite to remove the cancerous plague called the APC from the seat of governance in Nigeria.

 __Let’s ask ourselves the tough questions_ 

As a PDP member or leader, do I really need to pull down another opposition party just to prove my loyalty or seek reelection?

Do I need to malign the PDP simply because I have joined another opposition party?

Does it make any sense to be in one party but secretly work for another within the same opposition?

Is it wise to shift focus from the ruling party and instead attack fellow opposition parties?

This is the height of self-deceit and hypocrisy. In the end, both sides are doing nothing but participating in a directionless political jamboree.

Unfortunately, this is the very reason the APC is still ruling Nigeria today. We seem to have forgotten too soon.

In 2023, over 70% of Labour Party members or sympathisers were former PDP members, yet the PDP still fielded a candidate—dividing our strength and handing victory to the APC on a platter.

 Though the election was evidently rigged against both major opposition parties, we made it easier by failing to engage in proper dialogue, negotiations, and coalition-building before the elections.

Rather than being fixated on who belongs to what opposition party, our energy should have been directed at defeating the ruling party. Our infighting made us appear clueless, uncoordinated, and unserious.

As 2027 approaches, we must begin to see other opposition parties not as enemies but as potential allies. The goal should be to create space for possible realignment and collaboration to defeat the true opponent.

Stop discrediting fellow opposition parties. Instead, focus on exposing the weaknesses and poor governance of the APC with constructive criticism and a clear, united plan. Only then can victory for Nigerians be assured beyond personal sentiments or hatred for individuals.

The real picture of 2027 is yet to emerge, but between December 2025 and January 2026, the political roadmap will begin to take shape.

 Even the ruling party cannot confidently claim that all is well. Even  the coalition and the PDP cannot claim so either. Therefore, this is a time for moderation, patience, and careful strategy.

Office of the State Financial Secretary
PDP, Cross River
Chris Edadi 
02-08-2025