A Renowned public commentator and advocate for good governance, Professor Farooq Kperogi has stressed the need for a strong and credible opposition ahead of the 2027 General Elections in Nigeria, noting that opposition remains fundamental to the survival and growth of democracy.
Professor Kperogi made this assertion while delivering a high-level seminar organised by the Department of Political Science, Faculty of Social Sciences, Lagos State University, on Monday, 25th May 2026.
The seminar, with the theme *"The Nigerian Opposition and the 2027 General Election in Nigeria”* was held at the Abubakar Momoh Moot Parliament, LASU Main Campus, Ojo, Lagos.
Professor Kperogi maintained that democracy becomes hollow when dissenting voices, accountability structures, and alternative policy ideas are weakened or undermined.
He commended the historic role played by civil society groups, organised labour, students, and the press in holding government accountable, while noting that many of these institutions have become weakened through political co-option, funding challenges, and shrinking civic spaces.
Speaking on digital activism, the scholar observed that although social media has amplified public dissent and political participation, it still lacks the institutional structure required to translate online outrage into sustainable reforms.
Professor Kperogi also criticised economic policies associated with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and World Bank, arguing that such policies have contributed significantly to economic hardship and public dissatisfaction in developing nations, including Nigeria.
Describing the current state of opposition politics in Nigeria as fragmented and directionless, he stated that the opposition has failed to present a coherent policy alternative capable of effectively challenging the ruling party
"All I see is an opposition that lacks direction, not strong, and with no policy direction, nothing better to dislodge the party at the centre. All they want is to get power at all cost, without sacrifice," he remarked.
On the controversial removal of fuel subsidy, Professor Kperogi argued that energy subsidies remain a global practice, citing the United States of America (USA), as an example.
He further noted that subsidy removal in Nigeria could still be reversed, noting that the country’s economy is largely dependent on petro-dollar revenues.
He charged Lagos State University students and young Nigerians to remain politically conscious, intellectually engaged, and actively involved in democratic processes that promote accountability, responsible governance, and national development.
Earlier in his welcome address, Head, Department of Political Science, Dr Abdul-Gafar Oshodi , described the seminar as a timely and significant contribution to Nigeria’s democratic conversation.
Professor Oluranti Samuel , who represented the Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Professor Olufemi Lawal , noted that the theme of the seminar was highly relevant to contemporary democratic realities, encouraged students and participants to deepen their interest in governance and public policy.
Professor Sylvester Odion Akhaine moderated the session. Former Vice-Chancellor, Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE), Professor Kayode Soremekun and Professor Surajudeen Mudashiru attended the seminar.
The well-attended seminar concluded with an engaging interactive session, while the vote of thanks was delivered by the former Head, Department of Political Science, Dr Abdul-Wasi Moshood
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