By Daniel Ejiro Bakpa (ESQ)
Nigeria’s strength lies in its rich diversity of ethnic, cultural, and religious characteristics. In such a complex society, democracy must go beyond the mere holding of elections. It must ensure that governance is fair, inclusive, and representative of all groups. Recent political developments in Delta State offer a critical lens through which we can examine the need for equal footing in governance.
In Delta State, a wave of defections from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC) is shifting the balance of political power. While political realignment is part of democracy, the scale of these defections raises concerns about whether all communities and voices will continue to have a fair chance at representation and influence.
When one political party becomes overwhelmingly dominant, the danger is not just political monopoly, it is the erosion of equitable governance. Democracy thrives when power is contested, when policies are debated, and when leadership is earned through engagement with diverse constituencies. Without these dynamics, the system risks becoming exclusionary.
Delta State is home to multiple ethnic groups, including the Urhobo, Itsekiri, Ijaw, Isoko, and Anioma. In a fair system, governance structures must reflect this plurality, giving each group an opportunity to participate meaningfully in decision-making. However, when political alignment becomes lopsided, it can lead to favoritism, marginalization, and ultimately, disenfranchisement of less represented groups.
Fair governance also means accountability. In a competitive political environment, opposition parties serve as watchdogs, questioning decisions and demanding transparency. If Delta State tilts too far toward a one-party system, this essential mechanism for holding leaders accountable could disappear, weakening trust in public institutions.
Equity in governance is not about dividing power equally at all times, but about ensuring that no group or interest is permanently excluded. A functioning democracy must create space for political diversity and empower citizens from all walks of life to shape their future. Without this balance, governance becomes unresponsive and potentially unjust.
The situation in Delta State underscores a national challenge. Nigeria must recommit to building a political system that guarantees every group and individual a fair shot at leadership and policy influence. This means strengthening multi-party democracy, promoting inclusivity, and discouraging political monopolies.
In conclusion, democracy is only as strong as its ability to serve all its people fairly. The developments in Delta State remind us that true progress comes not from domination, but from cooperation, balance, and respect for diversity. For Nigeria to thrive, governance must remain grounded in fairness, openness, and equal opportunity for all. making the recent defections in Delta State a grave miscalculation.
