Leading civil society activists in Nigeria have sounded the alarm over what they call a “calculated and systematic” attempt by the Bola Tinubu administration to dismantle Nigeria’s democratic foundations and transform the country into a one-party state.
In a strongly worded statement titled “Defending Democracy: A Call to Resist a One-Party State in Nigeria”, the activists warned that democracy without opposition is “no democracy at all.”
The statement was signed by several prominent figures, including Richard Akinnola, Abdul Mahmud, Dr. Sam Amadi, Auwal Ibrahim Musa (Rafsanjani), Nnimmo Bassey, Adeola Soetan, Uche Onyeagucha, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, and Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others.
Erosion of Political Pluralism
The group expressed deep concern about the weaponization of state institutions like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for partisan purposes. They accused the administration of using threats, blackmail, and coercion to force opposition politicians—governors, senators, and other officials—to defect to the ruling party.
“We are witnessing, with increasing dismay, a calculated effort to dismantle the democratic foundations of our republic,” the statement said.
“An EFCC invitation for financial impropriety is swiftly followed by political capitulation. This weaponization corrodes public trust and undermines democracy.”
The activists stressed that political diversity is the “lifeblood” of democracy, providing citizens with real choices, ensuring accountability, and fostering innovation in governance.
A Betrayal of Democratic Ideals
They recalled that President Tinubu himself was once a frontline pro-democracy figure during Nigeria’s struggle against military dictatorship, making the current trend particularly troubling.
“The drift toward a one-party state is a betrayal of the ideals that many—including President Tinubu—fought for during the darkest days of military rule,” they said.
They warned that a return to unchecked governance would:
- Breed impunity and arrogance.
- Undermine Nigeria’s federal character by suffocating the nation’s diverse voices.
- Stifle young Nigerians’ political participation and activism.
A Call to Action
The group urged President Tinubu to uphold Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and end the persecution of opposition figures.
They also called on civil society, the media, and the international community to stand against what they called “creeping authoritarianism.”
“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.”
