By Emmanuel Enebeli
ABUJA/Nigeria: A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Deputy National Chairman, South-South, Elder Emmanuel Ogidi, has raised alarm over what he described as a creeping attempt to undermine Nigeria’s multiparty democracy, warning that the country risks sliding into a one-party state if opposition forces fail to unite.
Speaking during an interview on the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) programme, Political Update, Ogidi said ongoing consultations among opposition parties are driven by the urgent need to safeguard democracy, rather than mere political alignment.
According to him, the PDP has initiated engagements with other political platforms as part of a broader effort to build consensus and resist what he termed a systematic weakening of opposition structures.
“What we are witnessing is not just politics as usual. There is a deliberate attempt to suppress multiparty democracy, and we must resist it. That is why opposition parties must come together to defend the system,” he said.
The PDP stalwart alleged that internal crises within opposition parties are often fuelled by external interference, describing the trend as a “legal virus” deployed to destabilise political cohesion whenever unity efforts begin to gain traction.
“Each time opposition parties attempt to unite, new legal complications suddenly emerge. It is a pattern, and we must be vigilant. Unity requires sacrifice, and we must put aside personal ambitions if we truly want to save democracy,” Ogidi stated.
He, however, acknowledged that the PDP is not without its internal challenges, noting that some members have openly aligned with the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), a development he said undermines party discipline and cohesion.
“We cannot continue to pretend. When individuals claim membership of one party but openly work for another, it raises serious questions about loyalty and integrity,” he added.
On the broader political landscape, Ogidi warned that the integrity of future elections could be at risk if current trends persist, expressing concern over the direction of governance and political competition in the country.
“I am worried about the future of elections in Nigeria. If the current trajectory continues, we may not have the kind of free and fair process Nigerians expect. But ultimately, the people will decide,” he said.
The PDP leader also weighed in on growing calls for former President Goodluck Jonathan to return to the political arena ahead of the 2027 elections, describing him as a respected global figure and a valued member of the party.
While acknowledging ongoing legal debates surrounding Jonathan’s eligibility, Ogidi said many Nigerians view the former president as a stabilising figure capable of offering experienced leadership.
“Jonathan remains one of us, a global icon. Naturally, people are calling on him to return. But we must also be mindful that political and legal challenges may arise if he decides to run. That is the reality of our system,” he noted.
Reflecting on his own political journey, Ogidi disclosed that he had considered retiring from active politics after decades of involvement dating back to 1979, but said current national realities have compelled him to remain engaged.
“I will be 70 soon, and I had hoped to step back. But looking at the situation in the country, I cannot afford to walk away. Those of us who have benefited from the system must give back,” he said.
He stressed that consultations by the PDP with other parties, including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Accord Party, are ongoing, aimed at building a broad coalition capable of strengthening democratic opposition.
Despite the challenges, Ogidi expressed optimism that the growing hardship in the country is awakening political consciousness among Nigerians and reinforcing the need for collective action.
“There is hunger in the land. Governance must be proactive. Government should not wait for crises to escalate before acting. Leadership requires foresight and sincerity,” he said.
Calling for a shift in political culture, the PDP elder statesman urged leaders across the board to prioritise the welfare of citizens over partisan interests, warning that failure to do so could deepen public disillusionment.
“Politics should not be played with the lives of the people. The responsibility of leadership is to improve lives, not worsen conditions,” he added.
Ogidi concluded by urging political actors to embrace honesty, unity and sacrifice in order to preserve Nigeria’s democracy, insisting that the moment demands courage and collective responsibility rather than division.
