Archbishop Josef Bassey, Leader of Cross River’s Christian Leaders Forum, has asserted that Nigeria needs a courageous opposition committed to defending the people.

In an interview on Wednesday in Calabar, he said democracy would be strengthened if politicians refrained from merely seeking to seize power from the ruling party.

The cleric said, “True opposition involves enduring harassment, intimidation and persecution while standing firmly as the voice and shield of ordinary citizens. An opposition unwilling or unable to constructively confront power cannot effectively challenge governance failures or earn the trust of the people.”

He said a principled and credible opposition may lose elections initially but eventually gains popular support through integrity and sacrifice.

Mr Bassey added that opposition parties must be prepared to “take the blows” for citizens to strengthen democracy and offer real alternatives at the polls. He said that democracy cannot exist without options, noting that multiple parties provide citizens with platforms to accept or reject governments through elections.

According to him, leaders who suppress opposition often act out of fear, knowing they may lose power under a level playing field.

He said effective governance, not intimidation, is the best guarantee of electoral victory, as leaders confident of public support have nothing to fear.

Mr Bassey identified elite greed as a major driver of one-party dominance, saying, “Some politicians depend on access to power for survival.”

He added that fear of prosecution also fuels compliance, noting that even individuals with clean records may be targeted when authorities decide to act.

(NAN)