The Acting President of the Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN), Professor Zara Kwaghe has urged Nigerians to recognise political opposition as a legitimate feature of democracy, saying it promotes accountability and encourages those in power to fulfil their responsibilities.
Professor Kwaghe made the call on Friday, October 9, in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the Society’s 71st Annual Conference and Congress, scheduled for October 12 to 16, 2026.
The conference will examine the theme, “Opposition Politics in the History of Nigeria,” with discussions focusing on the historical development of opposition and its place in the country’s political and democratic evolution.
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In an interview after the briefing, Kwaghe described opposition as essential to democratic governance, saying it provides checks and balances and promotes responsible leadership.
“Without opposition, there will not be good democracy.” She said, stressing that opposition helps hold the party in power accountable and encourages those in government to do what is right.
The HSN Acting President, however, cautioned against allowing political disagreements to degenerate into violence, emphasising that political competition should not result in the killing or harming of citizens.
She urged politicians and Nigerians to accept political competition as a normal feature of democratic practice rather than a reason for hostility.
Kwaghe noted that opposition politics predated Nigeria’s emergence as a modern nation-state, with examples traceable to the different societies and political systems that later formed the country.
She cited the Oyo Empire, where political institutions and relationships provided avenues for questioning, restraining or challenging the authority of rulers.
The HSN leader explained that examining the history of opposition would deepen understanding of Nigeria’s political development, including the evolution of institutions, the role of political contestation and the challenges confronting opposition in contemporary governance.
She added that the conference theme was particularly relevant as Nigeria continued to strengthen its democratic institutions ahead of another electoral cycle.
The conference will feature the Dike Memorial Lecture, to be delivered by Professor Okpeh O. Okpeh, alongside scholarly presentations and discussions on related sub-themes.
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