Former governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, Tonye Cole, has stated that it is natural for political parties to attempt to weaken their rivals, regardless of their affiliation. He made this known on Monday while speaking as a guest during an interview on Prime Time, a program aired on Arise Television. His remarks were in response to ongoing political dynamics involving the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC). According to Cole, the effort by political parties to weaken their opposition is not unusual and reflects a global political pattern rather than a localized phenomenon. He explained that every political organization, whether in Nigeria or elsewhere, naturally adopts strategies aimed at limiting the influence and effectiveness of opposing groups. However, he emphasized that the true strength of a democratic system lies in how the opposition reacts to such pressure. Cole further highlighted that democracy fundamentally depends on the presence of a vibrant and resilient opposition. When opposition parties are strong and well-organized, they contribute significantly to the credibility and legitimacy of the democratic process. He noted that current political developments suggest a growing determination among opposition groups to unite and strengthen their position. In his view, such collaboration is beneficial for democratic growth and stability. At the same time, he acknowledged that the ruling party would understandably resist any alliance that could threaten its dominance. This, he implied, is part of the natural competitive structure of politics. Cole also expressed his belief in the value of competition, stating that it drives improvement and strategic thinking. According to him, competition encourages political actors to evaluate their weaknesses and build on their strengths, ultimately leading to better governance outcomes. He concluded by reiterating that political rivalry, when managed within democratic principles, plays a crucial role in shaping effective leadership and accountability.
