By Paul Okojie

Nigeria’s democracy stands at a delicate crossroads following the passage of the new electoral law by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led National Assembly and its approval by Bola Ahmed Tinubu. While the government argues that the legislation is designed to improve the country’s electoral framework, critics fear that certain provisions may tilt the political playing field and deepen the dominance of the ruling party.

In a democratic society as diverse and complex as Nigeria, the credibility of electoral laws is not merely a legal matter; it is the foundation upon which national stability, unity, and public trust are built. Any reform that raises doubts about fairness in the electoral process risks undermining these pillars.

At the heart of the debate is the perception that the new law could weaken the safeguards that guarantee transparency in elections. For many Nigerians, and opposition political parties, electoral reforms after the 2015 and 2023 elections were expected to strengthen technology-driven transparency, particularly in the electronic transmission and verification of results. However, concerns remain that gaps in the new framework could allow manipulation during the collation process.

Democracy depends on the principle of competition and a choice of representatives chosen by the people. A vibrant multiparty system ensures that citizens have meaningful choices and that governments remain accountable. When the rules of the electoral process appear to favor one political party, the consequences can be profound. It can gradually create the conditions for a dominant-party system with an environment where elections are held regularly but real political competition becomes increasingly limited.

Nigeria’s political landscape already shows signs of this shift. The ruling All Progressives Congresshas expanded its political influence across many states and legislative chambers, while defections from opposition parties have further consolidated its dominance. When political actors believe their chances of electoral survival depend on joining the ruling party, the multiparty system begins to erode.

History offers sobering lessons about the dangers of such a trajectory. Democracies that drift toward a one-party system often experience declining accountability, weakened institutions, and a shrinking space for dissenting voices. Without strong opposition parties to challenge policies and scrutinize government actions, the system of checks and balances that sustains democracy becomes fragile.

For Nigeria, the implications go beyond politics. The country is already grappling with serious security challenges, economic pressures, deep social divisions and excruciating poverty inequality. In such circumstances, citizens must have confidence that democratic institutions are fair and inclusive. If large segments of the population begin to feel excluded from the political process, it could intensify grievances and deepen mistrust in government which may likely lead to instability.

Political exclusion has historically been a trigger for unrest in many societies. Nigeria itself has experienced episodes of electoral violence fueled by perceptions of injustice in the voting process. A weakened electoral framework, or one perceived as partisan, could heighten tensions and threaten national stability.

Equally important is the issue of national unity. Nigeria is a federation built on delicate political and ethnic balances. Democratic participation provides citizens from different regions and backgrounds with a sense of belonging in the national project. When political power appears concentrated in one party without meaningful competition, it risks reinforcing perceptions of marginalization among various groups then it degenerates to arms struggle for power, which should be averted at all cost Home Depot.

The strength of democracy lies not in the dominance of one party but in the credibility of institutions that guarantee fairness for all participants. Electoral laws should therefore inspire confidence rather than suspicion.

However, moving forward, Nigeria must ensure that its electoral reforms reflect the collective aspirations of its citizens rather than the interests of any political party. Strengthening the independence of the electoral commission, safeguarding transparent vote transmission, and protecting the rights of opposition parties are essential steps toward preserving democratic integrity.

The responsibility also lies with political leaders across the spectrum to place national interest above partisan advantage. Democracy is not merely about winning elections; it is about building institutions that can sustain the nation across generations.

Nigeria’s democratic journey has been shaped by decades of struggle and sacrifice. Allowing electoral reforms to weaken the competitive nature of politics would risk reversing those gains. We do not want to return to dictatorship in the guise of one party system.

As Africa’s largest democracy, Nigeria carries a responsibility not only to its citizens but also to the continent. The country must demonstrate that political power can change hands through credible elections and that no party, however powerful, should dominate the democratic space to the detriment of national unity and stability.

Paul Okojie is a Media Consultant/Journalist writing from Edo State.