Opposition Unity Key to Expanding Voters’ Choice in Nigeria – Mahmud Jega

Jega made the remarks on Tuesday during an appearance on the Conversations with Professor Jideofor Adibe podcast, where he discussed the state of the nation and the challenges facing Nigeria’s democracy.

According to him, one of the fundamental shortcomings of liberal democracy is that citizens can only vote for candidates who make it onto the ballot, regardless of whether there are more qualified individuals outside the political process.

“You can only choose your leaders from the available options on the ballot. There may be someone in the country you consider an ideal leader, but if the person is not in politics or fails to secure a party ticket, there is nothing you can do,” he said.

Jega noted that many competent and decent Nigerians deliberately stay away from politics because of the nature of the country’s political environment, resulting in limited choices for voters.

He described the situation as a fundamental crisis in Nigeria’s democratic arrangement, adding that many voters may be dissatisfied with the incumbent administration, but the opposition remains too fragmented to mount an effective challenge.

According to him, the opposition’s victory over the then-ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015 was only possible because major opposition parties, including the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP), Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), came together to form the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“The opposition itself is scattered, and it is almost difficult to defeat a ruling party without the major opposition parties coming together,” he said.

Jega also argued that liberal democracy is better suited to societies with strong economies and high levels of education, noting that widespread illiteracy makes it difficult for many citizens to understand party manifestos and make informed electoral decisions.

He criticized the influence of money in politics, saying that politicians winning support by entertaining and financially rewarding voters does not reflect the true ideals of democracy.

On the prospects of the opposition ahead of 2027, Jega said personal ambitions remain one of the biggest obstacles to building a united front. He cited former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s determination to pursue another presidential bid, describing it as likely his last opportunity, while observing that NDC’s Peter Obi is younger and could have more chances in the future.

He concluded that unless opposition leaders put aside individual interests and work together, their chances of unseating the ruling APC in the 2027 elections would remain slim.