——- Says functional democracy cannot exist without differing opinions and constructive engagement from opposition parties.
Member, Governing Council, UNN and Former Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Eugene Odoh, made this known, while speaking on the topic “Reappraising APC’s position in Enugu State Politics and Chances of Peter Mbah in 2027 General Elections,” on the programme, Beyond the Headlines on Freedom Square TV, anchored by Uchenna Cyril Anioke.
Odoh stated that the All Progressives Congress (APC) led government has no intention of turning Nigeria into a one-party state, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to democratic principles.
He emphasized that opposition remains an essential component of democracy, describing it as “the beauty of democratic governance.”
According to him, “the behavioural attitude of one who is in opposition shouldn’t be the same with someone in the ruling party. I do not see what is happening as orchestrating a one party system. Opposition is very good in a democracy especially when the opposition is constructive, it puts the government in its toes. But unfortunately, we don’t even have opposition, that is the truth. Let me restrict myself to Enugu State, we do not have opposition, even in Nigeria. Opposition are people who held unto their ideology, pursue and criticize government policies with a view of government correcting same. But in this country, what we have is people who are opposing to belong to government not opposing government policies, so they are two different things. That is why you see when somebody is critizing government and once they give him a political position, he will renerge. When I was playing opposition, I was offered a commissioner , I told the governor no, I know he can hear me from this programme. I told him what I am doing is not against you. We are talking of someone who has left, that is the former governor. So it is not about opposing to belong, it is about opposing of issues and that is what opposition should represent.”
“Constructive criticism of government policies should not be misconstrued as an attempt to undermine authority but rather seen as a corrective tool aimed at improving governance. Criticism is not meant to destroy; it is meant to refine and strengthen the system,” he said.
Odoh further explained that the APC welcomes constructive criticism, as it helps leaders remain accountable and responsive to the needs of the people. “Criticism is not meant to destroy, it is meant to be a corrective measure and that is why it should be constructive. When it becomes destructive, it has gone beyond the realm of criticism but above all everyone hopes for the best,” he stated.
Commenting on the developmental strides of Governor Peter Mbah, in his words “we have commended the governor on the areas he has done well—the building of type 2 primary healthcare centres across 260 wards in Enugu State, the smart green schools, massive road construction and many more. We have equally put our reservations on the areas we think that needs improvement.”
Odoh concluded by reiterating that Nigeria’s democracy will continue to thrive, urging political stakeholders and citizens alike to adopt issue-based discourse, focusing on national development rather than partisan hostility.