Mr Tonye Cole, the former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, has stated that the inclination of a ruling party to weaken its opposition is a universal political reality rather than an anomaly.
Speaking during an interview on ARISE Television’s Prime Time programme, Mr Cole addressed recent allegations suggesting that the APC is actively working to undermine the African Democratic Congress (ADC). He maintained that such strategic manoeuvring is a global phenomenon inherent in any democratic system.
Mr Cole argued that the health of a democracy depends less on the benevolence of the ruling party and more on the resilience of those in opposition.
“Every party, regardless of being APC or not, will always push to weaken the opposition. It is the opposition’s response to that push that makes democracy work. This happens all over the world,” he remarked.
He further suggested that a robust and determined opposition is essential for conferring legitimacy upon the entire political process. In his view, the current efforts by various opposition elements to consolidate their strength are a positive development for the nation’s democratic evolution.
Addressing the likelihood of the APC resisting any unification of opposition forces, Mr Cole was candid, noting that such resistance is to be expected. However, he framed this friction as a necessary component of political growth.
“I’m one of those creatures that believe that competition actually makes you better,” he explained. “Competition makes you think smarter. It makes you look forward at your own weaknesses and your strength.”
The businessman-turned-politician underscored that for democracy to flourish, the opposition must accept the responsibility of “pushing back” against the ruling party’s influence. He posited that a strong, united front not only challenges the status quo but also compels the governing party to refine its own strategies and governance models.
As political alignments continue to shift ahead of future electoral cycles, Mr Cole’s comments highlight a philosophical acceptance of the “cut and thrust” of party politics, urging opposition figures to focus on their own internal fortitude rather than merely decrying the tactics of their rivals.
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