He paid tribute to a generation of politicians who, despite persecution and suppression, remained resolute in their opposition to one-party dominance.
By TheInvestigator
Chief Okoi Obono-Obla, a prominent lawyer, political figure and former presidential aide, has expressed deep concern over the growing decline of opposition politics in Cross River State, following a wave of defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
In a strongly worded statement released in Calabar, Obono-Obla described the mass defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party as “a disappointing trend” that threatens the health of democracy in the state.
Among those who recently joined the APC are the former Deputy Governorship candidate of the PDP in the 2023 elections and the Labour Party’s former Senatorial candidate for the Southern Senatorial District.
“I had hoped that these figures would remain steadfast in their parties and sustain a robust opposition in the state,” Obono-Obla said, recalling that between 2003 and 2021, Cross River was largely under the political control of the PDP—a dominance he noted failed to translate into real economic or political development.
He paid tribute to a generation of politicians who, despite persecution and suppression, remained resolute in their opposition to one-party dominance. He cited figures such as Ntufam Hilliard Eta, Hon Alex Irek, Chief Francis Ekpeyong, and others as examples of political resilience and dedication to democratic ideals.
“Their courage kept the flame of dissent alive, even when the political climate was stifling,” he said.
Obono-Obla warned that the fading of opposition voices could erode political accountability and democratic plurality in Cross River. “What we are witnessing today leaves much to be desired. One wonders what the future holds for democracy in our state,” he concluded.
The political analysts say the current trend raises important questions about the sustainability of multiparty democracy in Nigeria’s subnational politics and the increasing homogenization of political power.