How opposition parties can survive — Kassim Bichi

Alhaji Kassim Musa Bichi, a former Commissioner for Finance in Kano State, explained why opposition parties struggle and how they can overcome challenges. In recent times, opposition parties in Nigeria have been complaining about intimidation and muzzling by the ruling parties. Bichi pointed out that this has been a common issue in Nigeria since its democratic beginnings.

Members of opposition parties, particularly those of the Northern Elements Progressive Union (NEPU), faced persecution, detention, and even attacks during the 1958 elections. Today, the opposition faces restrictions on holding rallies and town hall meetings as the ruling party controls the police and security agencies. Bichi believes that the current situation is better than before as people can say anything on air without fear of imprisonment or death.

He also mentioned that the opposition can fight through legitimate means like going to court if they face unlawful harassment. Bichi recalled a politically motivated riot in Kano State during the 1980s that was orchestrated by the opposition to tarnish the incumbent government's image. He believes that Nigeria's democracy is healthy and not as dangerous as many people think, as seen when the All Progressives Congress (APC) toppled the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in 2015.

Bichi advised opposition parties to come together to fight the incumbent government, as this is their best chance of unseating the APC in the upcoming general elections.