A coalition of 17 prominent Nigerian figures, including human rights advocate Prof. Chidi Odinkalu and former presidential adviser Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, has issued a public warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, alleging that his administration is steering Nigeria toward a one-party state. In a statement titled “Defending Democracy: A Call to Resist the March Toward a One-Party State in Nigeria,” the group expressed concern over what they perceive as a systematic effort to undermine the country's democratic foundations.
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Allegations of Undermining Democratic Institutions
The signatories accuse the Tinubu administration of employing tactics such as bribery, blackmail, and coercion to weaken opposition parties. They claim that political figures are defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) not out of conviction but due to fear and pressure. The group also alleges that state institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), are being weaponized to target opposition figures, thereby eroding public trust and compromising the integrity of Nigeria's democracy.
Warning Against Authoritarianism
The coalition warns that the current trajectory could lead Nigeria back to a culture of impunity, where the absence of opposition fosters arrogance and unaccountable governance. They emphasize that a democracy without opposition is not a democracy and stress the importance of preserving Nigeria's multi-party system to ensure accountability, encourage debate, and foster innovation in governance.
Call to Action
Urging President Tinubu to respect the democratic path that brought him to power, the group calls for an end to the persecution and intimidation of opposition leaders. They appeal to Nigerians, civil society, the media, and the international community to remain vigilant and speak out against the perceived erosion of democratic principles. The statement concludes with a stark warning: "We did not fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism. We must rise now to defend democracy, or risk losing it forever."
Presidency's Response
In response, the Presidency, through Special Adviser on Information and Strategy Bayo Onanuga, dismissed the allegations as unfounded. Onanuga asserted that democracy in Nigeria remains strong and alive under President Tinubu, describing the recent defections to the APC as voluntary and indicative of the party's attractiveness. He criticized the opposition for their poor organization and internal issues, stating that it is not President Tinubu's responsibility to strengthen opposition parties.
Onanuga further argued that accusations of bribery, blackmail, and the weaponization of state institutions exist only in the minds of politicians who have failed in their role as the opposition. He emphasized that freedom of association and choice are cherished ideals of democracy, and any attempt to delegitimize citizens' choices is a disservice to democratic principles.
Ongoing Political Dynamics
This development comes amid a wave of defections to the APC, including those of Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori and former PDP vice-presidential candidate Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa. These shifts have sparked debates about the health of Nigeria's democracy and the balance of power among political parties. As the 2027 elections approach, the political landscape continues to evolve, with stakeholders expressing divergent views on the direction of the country's democratic journey.
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