A authorized practitioner and activist, Maxwell Opara, has strongly criticised requires an election boycott by opposition events, describing such a transfer as “an act of cowardice.” He argued that withdrawing from the electoral course of would finally weaken the opposition and hand a straightforward victory to the ruling celebration.
Talking throughout an interview on ARISE Information on Tuesday, Opara warned that boycotting elections wouldn’t halt the democratic course of, stressing that the Impartial Nationwide Electoral Fee (INEC) would proceed no matter who participates. Based on him, refusing to vote or subject candidates solely creates a vacuum that advantages these already in energy.
He famous that even in excessive eventualities the place just one celebration contests, the electoral physique would nonetheless conduct the method and declare a winner. This, he mentioned, makes the thought of a boycott each impractical and counterproductive for any critical political group.
“INEC will nonetheless go forward… If it’s solely APC… they may go forward and declare him (President Tinubu) winner,” Opara acknowledged, reinforcing his place that elections can’t be stopped via non-participation.
He additional argued that fairly than boycott, opposition events ought to deal with constructing robust coalitions able to resisting electoral manipulation. Unity, he mentioned, stays probably the most potent weapon in opposition to any perceived unfair benefit by the ruling celebration.
Opara pressured that inside divisions amongst opposition figures have continued to weaken their probabilities, making it simpler for the ruling celebration to dominate the political house. He described the shortage of coordination as a significant setback.
“If the opposition are usually not united, they’re simply losing time,” he mentioned, urging political actors to place apart private ambitions for the higher objective of nationwide management.
He additionally highlighted the significance of technique and preparedness, advising opposition leaders to anticipate challenges and shut each doable loophole that may very well be exploited in opposition to them.
Based on him, political contests require foresight, self-discipline, and cautious planning, particularly when dealing with skilled opponents. He warned that failure to arrange adequately would solely result in repeated setbacks.
“The easiest way to resolve your drawback is to face your drawback, to not run away out of your drawback,” he added, emphasising the necessity for braveness and direct engagement within the political course of.
Opara concluded that boycotting elections sends the improper sign about seriousness and dedication, noting that no authorized provision exists to cease elections just because some events select to not take part.
He maintained that significant political change can solely be achieved via energetic participation, unity, and strategic planning, insisting {that a} boycott would neither cease the system nor produce the specified outcomes.
Triumph Ojo
Times Nigeria