Opposition Politics Essential to Nigeria’s Democratic Growth – Buratai
By Matthew Eloyi
Former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Yusufu Buratai (retd.), has stressed the importance of opposition politics to democratic accountability, national stability and good governance in Nigeria.
Buratai stated this in a goodwill message to the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) on the occasion of its 71st Annual Conference and Congress, themed “Opposition Politics in the History of Nigeria,” holding at the Army Headquarters Command Mess, Asokoro, Abuja, from October 12 to 16, 2026.
He described the theme as intellectually compelling and relevant to Nigeria’s ongoing national discourse, noting that the historical examination of political opposition could provide valuable lessons for strengthening democratic institutions and promoting accountability.
According to him, Nigeria’s political evolution, from the First Republic, when the Action Group served as the official opposition, to the landmark political realignment of 2013, demonstrates that opposition remains an essential component of a functioning democracy.
“Accountability is not a partisan weapon but a democratic necessity,” Buratai stated, underscoring the need for political contestation that promotes responsible governance rather than division.
He also cited the position of the Acting President of the HSN, Professor Sarah Kwaghe, who had observed that without opposition, there would be no good democracy.
Buratai commended the society for dedicating its 71st conference to the subject, saying scholarly investigations into how power had been questioned, restrained and contested throughout Nigeria’s history could offer important insights into the country’s democratic development.
He noted that such historical inquiry, spanning traditional political institutions, including the Oyo Empire, and modern representative governance, could help deepen public understanding of accountability, political participation and the proper exercise of power.
The retired army chief, who served as Chief of Army Staff from 2015 to 2021, further emphasised the relationship between military professionalism, constitutional governance and democratic stability.
Drawing from his experience in national service, he maintained that a stable democracy requires respect for constitutional principles and a professional military committed to its responsibilities within the framework of the law.
He also stressed the importance of fairness and justice in the military justice system, describing these as essential foundations for discipline within the armed forces.
On national unity, Buratai cautioned against building the country’s future on suspicion and discord, advocating tolerance, compassion and a collective commitment to Nigeria’s common destiny.
He argued that the study of opposition politics reinforces these values by demonstrating that disagreement should not be mistaken for disloyalty and that political competition, when conducted within the bounds of law and civility, strengthens rather than weakens the nation.
The former ambassador to the Republic of Benin said democratic disagreement should be recognised as a legitimate feature of political life, provided it operates within established legal and constitutional frameworks.
Buratai congratulated Professor Kwaghe, the HSN Council and the historians and scholars participating in the congress, expressing optimism that their deliberations would contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s democratic culture and national development.
Founded in 1955 at University College Ibadan, the Historical Society of Nigeria is the country’s oldest professional association of historians. Its 71st Annual Conference and Congress brings together scholars to examine the historical forces, political developments and institutional experiences that have shaped Nigeria’s nationhood.