Former Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, Chidi Odinkalu, has strongly criticised opposition political parties in Nigeria over their conduct during the recent Federal Capital Territory (FCT) elections.
Speaking on Politics Today, a programme aired on Channels Television, Odinkalu described the opposition as weak, disorganised, and ineffective. He said that, in his view, Nigeria currently has no credible opposition capable of holding the ruling party accountable.
His comments come amid ongoing debate about the quality of democracy in the country and the strength of political competition at both federal and local levels.
Odinkalu’s remarks were partly in response to the public holiday declared by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, on the eve of the FCT area council elections.
The holiday was announced late on Thursday night, shortly before the election. According to the FCT administration, the move was to allow residents to participate in the polls.
However, the decision generated mixed reactions. Some residents welcomed it, saying it gave workers more time to prepare and vote. Others questioned the timing of the announcement and its possible political implications.
Odinkalu argued that the opposition parties failed to take advantage of the moment. He said a strong opposition would have immediately mobilised supporters and organised a rally the following day to challenge what he described as a political move.
“If I were a leader of a political party, I would call a rally on Friday,” he said during the programme. According to him, such an action would have energised supporters and shown that the opposition was alert and active.
Instead, he alleged, opposition leaders did nothing and remained silent at a critical time.
Odinkalu did not hold back in his criticism. He described the current opposition as “an utter disgrace” and said he was not apologetic about his position.
He mentioned parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), questioning their unity and direction. He suggested that internal divisions have weakened their ability to challenge the ruling party effectively.
“I don’t even know which PDP there is now,” he said, referring to the internal crisis that has affected the party in recent years.
The PDP, which ruled Nigeria for 16 years from 1999 to 2015, has faced leadership disputes and factional struggles since losing power at the federal level. Some of its members have been accused of working closely with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further deepening mistrust within the party.
Odinkalu’s comments reflect a wider public concern about the state of opposition politics in Nigeria. In a democratic system, opposition parties are expected to provide alternative ideas, question government decisions, and offer voters a clear choice during elections.
While criticising the opposition, Odinkalu also raised questions about the conduct of the ruling party during elections.
He said that, in his view, the weakness of the opposition makes it difficult to understand why the ruling party would still feel the need to engage in actions such as violence, result manipulation, or other irregular practices.
“What I do not understand,” he said, “is why the ruling party still feels the need to manufacture the kinds of things it does, from violence to rewriting results.”
Although he did not provide specific evidence during the interview, allegations of election irregularities have been common in Nigeria’s political history.
Nigeria returned to democratic rule in 1999, but elections have often been marked by claims of ballot snatching, voter intimidation, and disputes over results. Over time, reforms by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) have introduced new technologies and procedures aimed at improving transparency. However, concerns about credibility remain in some quarters.
Odinkalu’s remarks add to ongoing conversations about electoral reform and the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
The Federal Capital Territory holds area council elections to choose chairmen and councillors who manage local government affairs. These elections are important because they affect grassroots development, including sanitation, markets, primary healthcare, and community services.
Although the FCT does not have a governor like the states, the Minister of the FCT oversees its administration on behalf of the Federal Government.
The recent elections were seen as a test of political strength for various parties ahead of future national contests. For opposition parties, local elections provide an opportunity to build support and show readiness for larger battles.
However, Odinkalu’s criticism suggests that he believes the opposition failed to seize that opportunity.
Odinkalu is known for his strong views on governance and human rights. As a former chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, he has often spoken on issues of accountability, rule of law, and democratic practice.
His latest comments are likely to spark debate among political leaders and supporters of different parties.
Some may agree with his assessment that opposition parties need to reorganize and provide stronger leadership. Others may argue that political realities, including internal conflicts and limited resources, make it difficult for opposition groups to compete effectively.
What is clear is that Nigeria’s democracy depends on active participation from both the ruling party and the opposition. A vibrant opposition is often seen as necessary to ensure balance, protect citizens’ rights, and prevent abuse of power.
