Former All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in Rivers State, Tonny Cole, said on Monday that political parties universally seek to weaken their opponents, a dynamic he views as intrinsic to democratic systems.
Cole made the comments during an interview on “Prime Time,” a programme on Arise Television, where he responded to recent actions by the ruling APC against the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He explained that the pattern of parties attempting to diminish opposition is not unique to Nigeria but occurs worldwide.
“Every party, regardless of being APC or not, will always push to weaken the opposition,” Cole said. “It is the opposition’s response to that push that makes democracy work. This happens all over the world.”
He added that a robust opposition is essential for the legitimacy of democratic processes. “One of the things I have always looked forward to is that democracy always requires an opposition, and if that opposition is strong, then it brings legitimacy to the entire process,” Cole noted.
Referring to the current political climate, Cole observed that opposition groups appear increasingly willing to cooperate. “What you are seeing now is an opposition that is determined to come together. Is that good for democracy? Absolutely. Would the APC oppose such a coming together? Definitely,” he said.
Cole emphasized the value of competition in politics, describing himself as a supporter of competitive environments that foster improvement. “I am one of those who believes that competition actually makes you better. Competition makes you think smarter. It makes you look forward at your own weaknesses and strengths,” he said.
The interview underscores ongoing tensions between the APC and opposition parties ahead of upcoming elections. Cole’s remarks suggest that, despite partisan rivalry, there is an acknowledgement among political actors that a vibrant opposition is a cornerstone of democratic governance in Nigeria.
