In a recent interview shared by the official YouTube channel of Arise TV on May 24, 2026, Maxwell Okpara, a lawyer and current affairs analyst, spoke on the shifting dynamics of Nigeria’s political environment and the growing awareness among citizens.
He said, “Nigeria is becoming politically conscious and people are now actively engaged.” During the discussion, Okpara observed that political participation in the country has significantly increased in recent times. He noted that more Nigerians are paying attention to governance, electoral processes, and the actions of political leaders, indicating a departure from the era of widespread apathy.
He explained that this rising awareness is influencing how political parties operate, especially during primaries and candidate selection processes. According to him, citizens are now more willing to question decisions, demand accountability, and resist attempts to impose candidates without due process.
Okpara stressed that this development is a positive sign for democracy, as it encourages transparency and strengthens civic responsibility. However, he also warned that it could lead to heightened tensions if political actors fail to adapt to the expectations of a more informed electorate.
The analyst concluded by urging political parties and institutions to embrace this change by promoting fairness, inclusiveness, and credible leadership, noting that an engaged population will play a decisive role in shaping future elections.