A group of seventeen prominent Nigerians, including human rights activist Chidi Odinkalu, former presidential adviser Babafemi Ojudu, and legal expert Richard Akinnola, have issued a grave warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
They allege that his administration is deliberately eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations and steering the country towards a one-party state.
In a joint statement released on Sunday, titled “Defending Democracy: A Call to Resist the March Toward a One-Party State in Nigeria,” the group expressed deep concern over what they described as a “calculated and systematic effort” to weaken opposition parties through intimidation and coercion.
“We are witnessing a disturbing trend where opposition figures are being induced to defect to the ruling party, not out of conviction but through bribery, blackmail, and coercion,” the statement read.
The signatories warned that democracy cannot thrive without a vibrant opposition, and that the current administration’s tactics are eroding public trust. They condemned the alleged weaponization of state institutions for political advantage, calling it a threat to the country’s democratic integrity.
The group cautioned that if unchecked, the suppression of opposition could usher Nigeria back into a culture of impunity, characterized by unchecked power and unaccountable governance.
Stressing the importance of protecting Nigeria’s multi-party system, they urged President Tinubu to respect democratic principles and immediately cease the persecution of opposition figures.
“We call on President Tinubu to honor the democratic path that brought him to power. We did not struggle to end military dictatorship only to replace it with civilian authoritarianism,” they stated.
The declaration was endorsed by notable figures including Richard Akinnola, Abdul Mahmud, Dr. Sam Amadi, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Nnimmo Bassey, Adeola Soetan, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, Uzodinma Uwaogbe, Mma Odi, Osa Director, Prof. Adele Jinadu, Sen. Babafemi Ojudu, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Chief Tola Adeniyi, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, and Olufemi Adegbulugbe.
