THIS DAWN — For too long, Borno State has operated within a political space where opposition has been weak, fragmented, or entirely absent.
Democracy, however, thrives not on dominance but on balance.
It is in this context that the re-emergence of Kashim Imam as a leading opposition figure marks a potentially defining moment for Borno’s political future.
Kashim Imam is not new to politics.
Over many years, he has demonstrated resilience, consistency, and an unwavering commitment to public engagement.
In a political environment often characterised by opportunism and short-term calculations, his persistence alone distinguishes him.
He is a fighter — not in rhetoric, but in record — and his re-entry into the political spotlight signals the possibility of real contestation and accountability in Borno State.
Why Opposition Is Necessary?
Opposition is not an act of hostility; it is an act of service.
A strong opposition compels better governance, sharper policy choices, and greater respect for the electorate. Borno’s people deserve options.
They deserve voices that question, challenge, and propose alternatives.
Kashim Imam’s leadership offers precisely that — a credible counterweight to entrenched power.
What further sets him apart is his leadership style.
He leads by example. He does not merely issue directives; he earns loyalty through consistency and conviction.
This is why supporters across the state are rallying behind him with a simple message: lead on, and we will follow.
That confidence is not manufactured; it is the product of years of political engagement and grassroots connection.
Why ADC?
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) now stands at the centre of this renewed political energy.
Its growing presence in Borno reflects a wider national yearning for political renewal beyond the familiar parties that have dominated Nigeria’s landscape for decades.
The ADC’s ambition is clear — not just to participate, but to compete meaningfully, in Borno and across the nation.
Sceptics will argue that the ruling political structure is too entrenched to challenge.
History, however, shows that no political dominance is permanent when citizens begin to demand alternatives.
Every major political shift in Nigeria began with voices that were initially dismissed. Borno today stands at crossroads.
It can continue with a political culture of limited contest, or it can embrace a healthier democratic environment where ideas compete and leaders are tested.
Kashim Imam’s emergence gives the state that opportunity.
This is not merely about one man or one party.
It is about restoring political balance, strengthening democratic practice, and offering the people of Borno a genuine choice.
If democracy is to mean anything, opposition must be allowed to grow, to organise, and to lead.
In Kashim Imam and the ADC, many see the beginning of that possibility — for Borno, and, Insha Allah, for the nation as a whole.
By Ogbuefi Ndigbo, London
