Opposition in African Politics: The Case of Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya

This research examines the idea of opposition in African politics against the backdrop of problems inherent in the democratization process in contemporary Africa with a view to analyzing their dimensions and implications for the development of the continent and her peoples. Among issues to be addressed included the credibility of opposition parties in Africa as alternative source of power, the inability of the opposition parties to compete with the ruling classes, the weaknesses of these opposition parties and their emasculation by the ruling parties in some countries. It will also addressed situations in the countries where there are regime changes and why opposition party of yesterday is not different from the party it replaced in highhandedness in administration. The study will however focus on four countries in the continent. These are Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and Kenya. These countries have been chosen as a result of abundance of literature on party politics in these countries. Secondly, two of the countries have witnessed regime changes and two others are yet to. From the comparative analysis of opposition parties in these countries, suggestions will be made that will help to broaden the debate for democratic transition, ensure democratic consolidation and engender sustainable development in Africa.