By Ndifor Richard(Political and Civil Society Advocate)
The recent formation of an opposition coalition in Nigeria, highlights significant contrasts with the Cameroonian political landscape, particularly regarding coalition-building efforts against entrenched leadership. As Nigeria gears up for its 2027 elections, the lessons learned from their approach could offer valuable insights for the Cameroonian opposition, which has struggled to unify since the near success of the 1992 elections.
One of the most glaring differences between the two opposition movements is the timeline for coalition-building. The Nigerian opposition began its efforts years in advance, allowing ample time for dialogue, negotiations, and the cultivation of relationships among various political actors. In contrast, the Cameroonian opposition typically initiates discussions only months before elections, severely limiting their ability to establish solidarity and strategic coherence. This rushed approach often results in fragmented efforts that lack the depth required for a successful coalition.
Moreover, the nature of engagement among opposition leaders sets the two movements apart. In Nigeria, coalition partners have engaged in meaningful consultations, focusing on shared goals and strategies to present a united front against the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Conversely, the Cameroonian opposition often resorts to superficial calls for unity, primarily expressed through public statements rather than actionable plans. This approach undermines the potential for genuine collaboration, as it lacks the necessary groundwork to foster trust and cooperative dynamics among different factions.
A particularly troubling phenomenon within the Cameroonian opposition is the categorization of parties into “genuine” and “fake” opposition. This labeling often stems from rumors and hearsay rather than substantive evidence. Such divisions can exacerbate existing tensions and lead to an environment where genuine collaboration becomes nearly impossible, as opposition members may find themselves engaged in personal attacks rather than focusing on collective goals.
In contrast, the Nigerian coalition demonstrates an absence of the “big party/small party syndrome,” which often hampers alliances in other contexts. The adoption of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a lesser-known party, as the platform for the coalition illustrates a willingness to rebrand the opposition without being fixated on the size or historical weight of the parties involved. This move, supported by leading opposition figures, signals an openness to innovation and flexibility in coalition-building that the Cameroonian opposition could greatly benefit from.
The contrast extends to the actual meetings held by opposition groups. The Nigerian coalition has convened to discuss strategies and forge a common path forward, demonstrating a commitment to collective action. In Cameroon, however, there has been little to no effort to bring leaders together for substantive discussions. Instead, public appearances and media statements often dominate the narrative, creating an illusion of solidarity while neglecting the critical work of aligning agendas and strategies.
Additionally, the fixation on individual leadership within the Cameroonian opposition complicates the coalition-building process. While the Nigerian opposition has shown a willingness to prioritize collective goals over individual ambitions, the Cameroonian landscape is marred by disputes over who will emerge as the unique candidate for president. This obsession often leads to infighting and attempts to undermine potential allies, ultimately fracturing the opposition and diluting their effectiveness.
The path forward for the Cameroonian opposition requires a reevaluation of their coalition-building strategy. By learning from the Nigerian experience, they can adopt a more proactive approach that emphasizes early engagement, meaningful consultations, and collective action. Shifting the focus from individual leadership to shared objectives, while avoiding the pitfalls of labeling factions as “genuine” or “fake,” will be crucial in presenting a united front against the ruling regime. Moreover, embracing innovative platforms, regardless of their size, can help rebrand the opposition and enhance its appeal. Only through these concerted efforts can the Cameroonian opposition hope to challenge the long-standing leadership of Paul Biya effectively.