The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, has emphasised the crucial role of strong political parties and a vibrant opposition in sustaining democracy. Speaking at the launch of the book 100 Years of Political Parties in Nigeria, compiled by the Inter-Party Advisory Council in Abuja, Abbas stressed the need for internal party democracy to strengthen political structures and deepen Nigeria’s democratic culture.
Represented by the House Leader, Prof. Julius Ihonvbere, the Speaker reflected on Nigeria’s political journey since its return to civilian rule in 1999. He described the transition as a fresh start after over three decades of military rule. According to him, the election of Olusegun Obasanjo as president under the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) signified the beginning of a new democratic era.
“The PDP’s uninterrupted rule for years without military interference demonstrated that democracy had come to stay,” Abbas noted. He added that this stability encouraged various political groups to engage actively in the process and seek electoral positions.
The Speaker highlighted the formation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in 2013 as a turning point in Nigeria’s political history. “It was the first major political realignment since independence, bringing together different political forces to create a truly national movement,” he said. The APC’s victories in 2015, 2019, and 2023, he added, marked a critical shift in the country’s democratic narrative.
However, Abbas acknowledged that despite these political strides, Nigeria continues to grapple with significant challenges, including insurgency from groups like Boko Haram, widespread corruption, economic hardship, and deep-seated ethnoreligious tensions.
“As of 2025, the political landscape remains troubled by governance failures, poor management, and a lack of infrastructural development,” he remarked. He pointed out that political parties often function within an environment of patronage, where loyalty is rewarded with material benefits rather than effective governance or meaningful policy reforms. This, he said, has weakened Nigeria’s democratic institutions and eroded public trust in the system.
For democracy to thrive, Abbas insisted that political parties must not merely serve as vehicles for personal ambition but as platforms for policy innovation and citizen engagement. “The strength of a democracy is not measured solely by the dominance of the ruling party, but also by the ability of the opposition to offer constructive criticism and viable alternatives,” he explained.
He further called on political parties to adopt inclusive strategies that allow all members to participate in decision-making processes. “When members feel a sense of ownership in party affairs, they are more likely to contribute positively to its growth,” he said.
According to Abbas, internal democracy within parties is crucial to ensuring credible political representation. “We must put an end to the culture of imposition and godfatherism, which has characterised our political system for far too long,” he asserted. He urged democrats across Nigeria to take bold steps in consolidating democracy, insisting that the time for reform is now.
