Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has declared that if elected president in the 2027 general elections, he would do everything within his power to ensure that opposition parties are strong and actively participatory in governance, arguing that no single political party holds a monopoly on ideas capable of moving the nation forward. Obi made the remarks during an interview with media entrepreneur Chude Jideonwo, which was aired on Saturday, 11 July 2026, as he outlined his vision for a more inclusive and consultative approach to governing Nigeria.
When asked by Jideonwo whether President Bola Tinubu believes his own party, the All Progressives Congress, is the strongest party to rescue the country, Obi dismissed the notion that any one party has a monopoly on solutions, insisting that the strength of a democracy lies in its ability to accommodate diverse perspectives and bring together the best ideas from across the political spectrum. He stressed that governance should not be about weakening political rivals but about preserving democratic values and ensuring that every citizen benefits from policies shaped through broad consultation. “If I’m the president of this country, I will do everything possible to make opposition parties strong and participatory in governance,” Obi said. “The more you bring everybody together, the more we discuss it, the more we consult, the better result.”
The former Anambra State governor argued that democracy thrives when multiple political parties are strong enough to hold the government accountable and contribute meaningfully to national development. He maintained that inclusive governance, healthy political competition, and constructive opposition are essential for strengthening Nigeria's democracy and ensuring better policy outcomes. He added that it is about democracy, and that no one party has a monopoly on ideas that make society work.
Obi's remarks underscore his belief that inclusive governance, healthy political competition, and constructive opposition are essential for strengthening Nigeria's democracy and ensuring better policy outcomes. His comments come amid a broader political realignment in the country, with Obi having been among those that formed the opposition coalition under the umbrella of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in July 2025, before officially joining it on 31 December 2025. However, in May 2026, the former Anambra State governor left the ADC for the NDC, citing internal divisions and court cases.
The interview also touched on other pressing national issues. Obi had earlier, in the same interview, suggested that President Tinubu should "go home and rest," arguing that the President has tried his best but the country's security challenges require a new approach. He also responded to a debate challenge from Works Minister Dave Umahi, stating that Umahi must first become a presidential candidate before he can challenge him to such an engagement.
Obi's pledge to strengthen opposition parties has been met with interest from political observers, many of whom have noted the growing concentration of power in Nigeria's political landscape and the increasing marginalisation of opposition voices. His remarks have also drawn attention to his evolving political positioning, as he seeks to build a broad coalition ahead of the 2027 elections. As the interview continues to circulate on social media and news platforms, Obi's commitment to inclusive governance and participatory democracy has become a central theme of his campaign narrative, offering a contrast to the current administration's approach to political competition and governance.
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