Former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, has made a bold and controversial allegation against President Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, accusing him of attempting to manipulate Nigeria’s democratic structure to his advantage.
According to Oyinlola, President Tinubu is actively pressuring members of the National Assembly (NASS) from other political parties to defect to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). The former governor claims that the president’s ultimate goal is to secure a two-thirds majority in both chambers of the legislature.
Oyinlola warns that this strategic realignment in the National Assembly is not merely about consolidating political power, but part of a broader plan to introduce legislation that would pave the way for President Tinubu to become a life president effectively removing the electoral process for future presidential terms.
He described the alleged move as a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic principles and warned that such a shift would have grave consequences for governance, accountability, and the country’s constitutional integrity.
“This is a dangerous ambition,” Oyinlola reportedly stated. “President Tinubu is mounting pressure on lawmakers to cross over to the APC so he can get the numbers needed two-thirds of the National Assembly to pass a law that will make him president for life, without any election.”
While these claims have not been officially confirmed by the presidency or the APC, they have sparked debate across political and civil society circles. Many observers are calling for transparency, vigilance, and a recommitment to democratic norms.
Oyinlola’s statement serves as a stark reminder of the importance of checks and balances within Nigeria’s political system, especially in the face of potential executive overreach.