The Historical Society of Nigeria (HSN) has urged opposition political parties to build truly national platforms anchored on ideology rather than narrow group or personal interests, while engaging youths and women as agents of democratic transformation instead of political thugs.
HSN’s call was contained in resolutions issued at the Society’s 71st Congress/Conference, held from October 11 to 16, 2026, at the Army Headquarters Command Mess 1, Asokoro, Abuja, with the theme, “Opposition Politics in the History of Nigeria.”
In a statement by its National Public Relations Officer, Dr. Elijah Terdoo Ikpanor, the Society said the weakness of opposition politics in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic was structural rather than ideological, urging politicians to learn from history and embrace purposeful political organisation.
The conference, attended by more than 250 historians who participated physically and virtually, also recommended that historians be involved in training and orientation programmes for politicians to deepen their understanding of political ideology.
It further called for greater political inclusion of young people and women, describing them as critical agents of change and indispensable contributors to equity, democratic development and nation-building.
The conference examined the influence of godfatherism, prebendal politics, defections, identity manipulation and technology on opposition politics, noting that digital platforms offered opposition parties fresh opportunities to engage citizens.
The Congress also elected a new national council, with Prof. David Imbua emerging as president, while Dr. Elijah Ikpanor, Director of the Centre for Advancement and Linkages at Fr. Moses Orshio Adasu University, Makurdi, retained the position of National Public Relations Officer.
Other officers elected include Dr. Bomo Ezonbi, Vice President, North West; Dr. Obeya Nelson Bernard, North East; Prof. Patrick Ukase, North Central; Dr. Uche Okonkwo, South East; Dr. Adesola Adesote, South West; and Prof. Grace Brown, South South.
The Society expressed appreciation to the Nigerian Army Headquarters for hosting the conference for the second consecutive year, expressing optimism that collaboration among Nigerian and African historians would help advance unity, peace and sustainable development.
