Pat Utomi Says Political Parties Have Lost Their Voices

Renowned political economist, Professor Pat Utomi, has lamented the decline of opposition politics in Nigeria, saying that political parties have lost their voices and that only a few citizens on social media now provide meaningful dissent against the Federal Government.

Utomi made the remarks at the David Oladipo Leadership Roundtable, themed “Nigeria and Opposition Politics,” held in Lagos.

He expressed concern that most opposition parties have become weak and silent due to internal crises and fear of persecution.

“The only strong opposition we have today is a few active citizens on social media. Outside that, no political party is challenging this government,” Utomi stated.

He also faulted the silence of opposition parties on key national issues such as electoral reforms and constitutional violations, warning that democracy was being weakened by the absence of robust debate.

Similarly, the convener of the roundtable, Dr. David Oladipo, said Nigeria was failing to derive value from its democracy because opposition parties had become too weak to offer credible alternatives to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

“Opposition is not just about shouting. It requires designing policies, proposing solutions, and putting forward ideas that can compel the ruling party to act,” Oladipo added.

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