Top 10 Countries with the Strongest Political Opposition Parties in Africa 2025

In Summary

• According to a recent survey, two-thirds (68%) of Africans prefer a system with “many political parties” to ensure good opposition to government.
• 23% of Africans believe that opposition party candidates have better economic and development policies than those in power.
• Many Africans admit that feelings and affiliations are placed over political performance and economic policies when electing leaders.

Deep Dive!!

Across the globe, politics has always showcased a dynamic interplay between ruling governments and a robust opposition striving for what is in its opinion, a need for better democratic governance and socio-economic reforms. Regardless of the form of government, the political landscape in Africa is no different.

That said, it is important to note that the role of opposition parties is critical in determining the level of accountability by governing parties and governments, the effectiveness of public service delivery and the overall quality of a country’s democracy. When handled the right way, opposition parties help to scrutinise government decisions, policies, and actions – and play oversight over the Executive and the public administration. They defend the interests of the citizens – not only those who favour them but the general public.

Although opposition parties strive more in countries with democratic governments, there is a strong presence of stiff opposition in countries like Burkina Faso, Gabon, Mali, Guinea, Morocco, Lesotho and Eswatini, where military or monarchy governance is practised. It is important to note that without clear alternatives offered by opposition parties, a country would face challenges with constructive debates on policy options, the direction of the country and the future.

Experts and political critics argue that the strength, effectiveness, and quality of democracy largely depend on the opposition parties’ efficiency, relevance, and ability to credibly show they are ready to govern. However, in reality, politicians all tend to agree to this assertion—until they get into office. Then, every form of opposition—including those they once belonged, becomes the enemy of the state.

Despite the numerous challenges faced, there still exists a strong presence of political parties across Africa. Below, we have highlighted the top ten countries with the most powerful opposition parties in Africa.

Methodology

It could be surprising to many critics that popular opposition figures and their political parties did not make it to our list. The reason for this is not far-fetched, while we recognize all opposition political parties and their leaders across the continent, we have limited our list to the top 10. We highlighted the top 10 based on country ranking, and the top one or two parties (and political figures) within these countries.

Our criteria was not to prioritise opposition leaders with high resilience in the face of government repression, or a high social media presence. Rather, for this particular ranking, our criteria were based on electoral influence, active mobilisation, institutional strength, and political impact—as it affects election and voter figures.

Here are the top 10 countries with the strongest political opposition parties in Africa 2025, Check them out!

10. Zimbabwe – Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC): The CCC was founded in 2022 and boasts of key figures like Nelson Chamisa (former leader), Welshman Ncube, and Tendai Biti. The party has continued to gain widespread support, particularly among urban and younger voters. Following the disputed 2023 elections, Nelson Chamisa resigned from the party in early 2024, citing internal infiltration and political sabotage. His departure weakened the CCC, but efforts have since been made to reorganize and rebuild the party ahead of the next elections.

9. Cameroon – Social Democratic Front (SDF): Founded by the late Ni John Fru Ndi in 1990, and currently headed by Joshua Osih. The SDF remains the most influential opposition party, particularly in English-speaking regions of Cameroon. The party has been active in pushing for electoral reforms, human rights, and regional autonomy for Anglophone Cameroon. It has also led several demonstrations against the government’s handling of the Anglophone crisis, despite crackdowns on its activities.

8. Algeria – Movement for the Society of Peace (MSP): Another political party founded in 1990, the MSP, an Islamist-leaning party, is one of the few significant opposition forces that has maintained a legal status despite government restrictions. With Abderrazak Makri as the face of the party, the Algerian opposition has faced suppression, with many parties being dissolved ahead of the 2024 elections. The MSP continues to campaign for democratic reforms and economic justice, often clashing with the government over restrictions on political activities.

7. Senegal – Pastef (Patriots of Senegal for Work, Ethics, and Fraternity): Pastef is an opposition political party founded in 2014, with Ousmane Sonko as its party leader. The party enjoys significant support among the youth and middle class. Despite being dissolved by the government in 2023, Pastef remains highly influential. Ousmane Sonko's continued legal battles and house arrest have sparked mass protests, further galvanizing opposition support against the ruling party.

6. Guinea – Forces Vives de Guinée: The party was formed in 2022 after a coalition agreement by leaders from major opposition parties in the country. They represent a significant segment of the populace in the country. Earlier this year, in January 2025, the coalition called for its members to withdraw from the junta-led legislative body after the military government missed the deadline for a return to democratic rule.

5. Tunisia – Congress for the Republic (CPR), Cultural Unionist Nation Party (CUNP), Democratic Alliance Party (DAP): Key figures like Zouhair Maghzaoui and Ayachi Zammel have been doing a lot to uphold the face of political opposition in Tunisia for many years. Although government opposition in the country has been reduced to individual candidates with their respective support bases, as a result of stiff measures, they have remained strong. In the 2024 presidential election, opposition groups called for a boycott, citing unfair practices and the imprisonment of several prominent candidates.

4. Uganda – National Unity Platform (NUP): The party was founded as National Unity (NU) in 2004, and rebranded to National Unity, Reconciliation and Development Party in 2019, before being changed to NUP. It is led by unarguably one of the most influential opposition political leaders in Africa – Robert Kyagulanyi (Bobi Wine). The NUP has significant support among Uganda's youth and urban population, making it the strongest opposition force in the country. Following the controversial 2021 elections, Bobi Wine and the NUP continued to face government repression, with frequent arrests of party members and restrictions on rallies. Despite these challenges, the party remains a major force pushing for democratic reforms in Uganda, with plans to challenge President Museveni's long-standing rule in 2026.

3. Ivory Coast – Democratic Party of Côte d'Ivoire (PDCI): The party was founded in 1946 and led by its current party leader and potential presidential candidate, Tidjane Thiam. The PDCI has a long-standing presence in Ivorian politics, with a broad support base across the country. In February 2025, Tidjane Thiam renounced his French citizenship to qualify for the upcoming presidential election, signalling his commitment to improving living conditions in Ivory Coast.

2. South Africa – Progressive Caucus: The coalition between Julius Malema, recognised by many as the most influential and vocal political opposition leader in Africa, and leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters, Jacob Zuma, a former president and leader of uMkhonto we Sizwe Party, in 2024 came as a shock to many. However critics and political observers agree that the coalition will help them build the numbers needed to depose the ruling party. Collectively, they hold approximately 25% of the seats in the National Assembly. In the 2024 elections, the MK party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, secured 14.6% of the vote, making it the third-largest party in parliament. The formation of the Progressive Caucus aims to provide a left-leaning alternative to the Government of National Unity.

1. Nigeria – People's Democratic Party (PDP): Founded in 1998, the PDP has produced the highest number of presidents and political leaders in Nigeria, until 2015 when it lost the presidential election to a coalition of political parties, with the help of a large number of key PDP figures who decamped from the party. A two-time former vice-president of the country, Atiku Abubakar, was the party’s flag bearer for the 2023 presidential election. To date, the PDP maintains a substantial following across Nigeria, controlling several state governments and holding numerous seats in the National Assembly.

Conclusion

The true strength of political opposition parties across Africa in 2025 varies, with some making significant strides while others struggle under government suppression, internal divisions, and electoral challenges. Despite these obstacles, opposition movements remain vital forces in their respective countries, pushing for democratic reforms, human rights, and better governance.

As several African nations prepare for upcoming elections, opposition political parties will continue to play a crucial role in shaping political discourse, mobilizing citizens, and holding ruling governments accountable. Their resilience and adaptability will determine their impact on the continent’s democratic future.