RismadarVoice Reporters
March 1, 2026
A former member of the House of Representatives, Shina Peller, has emphasized the need for a vibrant opposition to guarantee a balanced and functional democracy in Nigeria.
Peller, who represented Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa Federal Constituency in the 9th National Assembly, made the call on Sunday during a Ramadan lecture.
His remarks were contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists in Abuja.
Speaking on the state of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the former lawmaker said the matter extends beyond the party’s survival and touches on the broader health of Nigeria’s democratic system.
“There must be a voice for the opposition to have a functional and balanced democracy. For me, it’s not what I see about the prospect of PDP; it is what I see about the prospect of democracy. What PDP is after is for there to be a balanced democracy,” he said.
Peller urged political leaders to look beyond immediate personal interests and consider the long-term implications of their actions on the country’s democratic future.
According to him, some individuals who previously benefited from the PDP are now allegedly working against its survival, despite serving as role models for younger generations.
“There are many people that are fighting for PDP not to survive. These people became governors, they became ministers, but they have younger ones that are looking up to what they want to do. Everyone is writing their own story,” he said.
He also called on members of the judiciary to uphold justice and fairness, describing them as critical pillars in sustaining democracy.
“If they call you a judge, you must be just. Even in the Qur’an, it is stated clearly that if you are a judge, you have to be just. These are important instruments in upholding democracy, and people must know this,” he added.
Peller further urged political office holders to reflect on the temporary nature of power, wealth and influence, reminding them of the need for accountability and legacy.
“They should know that they came to this life with nothing and will leave with nothing. No matter what position, money, or property you have, everything will come to an end one day. There is a day of judgment. They should reflect on that and build a future that everybody will be proud of,” he said.
In his lecture, the guest speaker, Sheikh Jamiu Ajadi Sanusi, also known as Ami Olorun, encouraged Nigerians to invest in humanity, particularly the youth, as a pathway to a better future.
“When you build community, it means you build the entire world. If you fail to build community, mainly the youth and human resources, then you have not built what will come after you,” he said.
He urged politicians, traditional rulers, and wealthy individuals to support and empower young people.
“I urge all our politicians, traditional rulers, and wealthy men and women in the community to support, build people, help them fly, support their dreams, and secure their future,” he added.
Peller’s remarks come amid persistent internal crises within several opposition parties in Nigeria, raising concerns about their stability and effectiveness. Leadership tussles, factional alignments, and prolonged legal disputes have weakened party structures in some cases, leading to parallel executives.
Currently, both the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) are grappling with factional divisions over leadership positions, party direction, and control of structures at national and state levels.
