…Says political environment too cold for democracy to thrive
…Opposition slumbering while Oyebanji consolidates rural influence — CNPP laments
…Unchecked power may lead to reckless governance — Group warns
By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
Political parties in Ekiti State have been urged to rise to their responsibilities and become more active ahead of the upcoming governorship election.
This call was made by the Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) during its monthly meeting held in Ado-Ekiti, the state capital.
The CNPP expressed concern over the current political climate in the state, stating that it is time for opposition parties to become more engaged and assert their presence.
Speaking on behalf of the group, its lead coordinator, Pastor Victor Akinola, warned that the continued dormancy of opposition parties poses a threat to democratic vibrancy and good governance.
“It is dangerous and unhealthy for the opposition to remain inactive as is currently the case in Ekiti. Democracy cannot thrive without a viable opposition,” Akinola said.
He noted that the political atmosphere in the state has become lukewarm due to the visible absence of opposition activity, stressing that such a scenario could encourage complacency and impunity on the part of the ruling party.
“If left unchecked, this could lead to the government losing focus on its core responsibilities to the people,” he added.
Despite its concerns, the CNPP commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for what it described as his dedication to the welfare of the people.
The group praised his pro-people programmes and described him as a compassionate leader with the state’s interests at heart.
The CNPP particularly acknowledged the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP) initiatives being implemented across the 16 local government areas and encouraged the governor to revive the 5km road project to further improve infrastructure in rural communities.
In a separate development, the group lauded Senator Opeyemi Bamidele and Air Vice Marshal Niyi Ojuawo for their recent empowerment initiatives. However, the CNPP urged them to expand such interventions beyond party members, emphasising that political benefits should be accessible to all.
The political organisation also extended congratulations to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on his second year in office. It applauded his economic reforms, foreign policy direction, and visible affection for Ekiti State, describing his tenure so far as transformative.
