A blueprint to effective opposition and a strategic path to 2027.
Strategy for Effective Opposition The opposition or the coalition we currently have are going about it the wrong way. To become a more effective opposition, you’d have to consider a strategic shift.
First things first, you’d have to plan in silence. Take a page out of the President’s book. No one knew what his plans were until he was ready to activate them. You’d have to spend more time planning, because you must get it right. “Strategic meetings” being public knowledge are not as important as you may think.
Secondly, stop attacking the president. This might not make sense, but, whether you like it or not, just as you’re not a fan of the president, some people support and believe in him. Therefore, directly attacking the President can be counterproductive, because, other than the natural supporters he has, dedicated teams are in place to defend him. So, for every 10 people condemning the President, 100 people are defending him. It’s a numbers game, and motivation is also a key factor. As an opposition, your approach is passion led and passion will burn out in the long run, if you encounter a greater motivation (which is what the supporters have; a greater motivation) which is either financial or beneficial because it's tied to immediate personal gain, unlike the often idealistic and less tangible rewards of passionate opposition. No one wants to back a losing horse.
So what should you do?
Instead, focus your efforts on the government's actions and policies. What has happened in the last 2 years? Scrutinize the work being done and pose targeted, impactful questions.
For instance:
After two years of "subsidy savings," where are these funds being allocated, and how have they impacted the lives of the people?
The cost of living is higher now because the country is generating IGR. However, it is important to ask, what is the money being generated used for, and why can’t the people feel it?
Why is the budget focused on some areas more than others?
In terms of infrastructure, why are certain states receiving more focus than others?
Security? How many lives have been lost, and how has the government responded to the crisis?
All the projects being commissioned, how much goes into the commissioning, and do these projects truly warrant celebration?
Ask the right questions.
By posing such questions, you allow those responsible for defending the government’s actions to provide answers, and if they don’t provide answers, you’ve succeeded in enlightening the public about certain things they’ve missed and therefore, initiated a more effective opposition strategy.
Another thing is key.
Understanding Your Audience.
Do you know that less than 50% of Nigeria’s population is online, and these figures aren’t evenly distributed. According to the most recent updates provided by Google;
Facebook has 38.7 million
TikTok has 37.4 million
Instagram has 12.75 million
X has 7.57 million Nigerian users
These platforms collectively reach approximately 96.42 million Nigerians, which still represents less than half of the country's population.
So, as an opposition, which audience are you speaking to, on which platform, and most especially, how exactly are you communicating to them?
Remember, the true impact of policies is felt by the people they are intended to serve, and if the public isn't experiencing the intended benefits, then the government of the day has failed, and that's precisely where the opposition should focus its attention.
The Power of Information and Grassroots Engagement
Information is a powerful tool, and that’s why governments like to control the media, the influencers, and the authority figures in communities as a survival mechanism. If you were in their shoes, you would do the same thing too. What you need to realize as an opposition is, many citizens remain unaware of key issues, and simply informing the populace can be a game-changer in any political contest. Your goal should be to enlighten the public. All they know is that they’re suffering and what the government has told them. But what they don’t know is “Why They’re Suffering Because Of The Government”.
Consider where the majority of potential voters are located and how best to reach them. You want an even easier approach? Do exactly what the current government did to attain power, only just, do it better.
Ultimately, you’d have to remember one thing - Elections Are Not Won Online, and your offline strategy is just as important as the online. Election season is a few months away, which gives room for more time to plan and get it right. Rushing into the race doesn’t necessarily mean winning the race. Nigerians are patient and resilient people. They will withstand if given a reason to, and they will fight back when they need to. Right now, there’s no hope in sight, and that is why they do not support the opposition. Give them a reason to, give them a candidate they can believe in. Give them a candidate who will put their well-being first, and watch how everything automatically falls in line.
Get this right, and 2027 is yours for the taking.