Opposition Strength Vital for Democracy — Gbajabiamila

The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila, has welcomed the adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by opposition leaders, describing it as a positive development for Nigeria’s democracy.

Speaking on Saturday during the Local Government Chairmanship and Councilorship elections in Surulere, Lagos State, Gbajabiamila said the move signaled a healthy evolution of Nigeria’s multi-party political system and could encourage broader political participation.

He made the remarks shortly after casting his vote at Elizabeth Fowler Memorial Primary School, one of the designated polling units in the area.

According to Gbajabiamila, a robust democracy must accommodate diverse political voices to avoid slipping into a one-party state.

“There has to be some level of opposition in a democracy,” he said while addressing reporters after voting. “The strength of any democracy lies in the presence of vibrant and credible opposition capable of holding the ruling party accountable.”

He warned that without proper checks and balances, democratic systems risk devolving into authoritarianism, eroding public trust in governance.

While acknowledging the potential of the opposition coalition rallying around the ADC, Gbajabiamila expressed doubt about its long-term viability.

“However, for whatever the coalition is worth, I’m not sure where it will go — that is, if it will go anywhere,” he remarked.

Despite his reservations, he emphasized the importance of alternative political voices in fostering national growth and democratic maturity.

The former Speaker of the House of Representatives also commended the peaceful conduct of the elections in Surulere and encouraged Nigerians to participate actively in the democratic process, particularly at the grassroots level.

He urged political stakeholders to prioritize national interest over personal ambition and to work towards unity across party lines for the good of the country.