By Sumaila Ogbaje
The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) says constructive opposition politics is essential to strengthening democracy, promoting accountability and advancing national development.
The Acting President of HSN, Prof. Zara Kwaghe, said this at a press briefing on Friday in Abuja ahead of the society’s 71st annual conference.
The conference, themed “Opposition Politics in the History of Nigeria,” is scheduled for Oct. 12 to Oct. 16 at the Army Headquarters Command Mess, Asokoro, Abuja.
Kwaghe said the conference would deepen public understanding of opposition as a legitimate component of democratic governance, particularly as Nigeria approaches another electoral cycle.
She said opposition parties should not be viewed as outsiders to the democratic process, but as important participants who could hold the government accountable and encourage those in power to perform their responsibilities effectively.
According to her, a better understanding of the historical role of opposition politics can promote a healthier political culture and strengthen democratic institutions.
The HSN president said the gathering would help participants appreciate the place of opposition in a functioning democracy.
She said the presence of opposition was necessary to ensure that governing parties remained accountable and committed to doing what was right.
kwaghe said the conference would also examine the evolution of opposition politics in Nigeria, its influence on political institutions and the challenges and opportunities it presents in contemporary governance.
She noted that opposition politics predated Nigeria’s emergence as a modern nation-state, citing political institutions in the Oyo Empire as an example of historical arrangements that allowed authority to be questioned or restrained.
“The conference will feature the Dike Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by historian Prof. Uwe Oruwe, alongside presentations and discussions by scholars from across the country.
“The opening ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, Oct. 12,” she said. (NAN)
