Nigerian Activists, Leaders Call on President Tinubu to Recommit to Democratic Principles

By Eshiorameh Sebastian, Abuja

A coalition of prominent Nigerian activists, intellectuals, and political leaders has issued a stark warning against what they describe as a deliberate and systematic erosion of democratic norms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, cautioning that the country risks sliding into a de facto one-party state.

The warning was contained in a statement released on Sunday, in which the group, comprising seasoned democracy advocates and former lawmakers, expressed grave concern over the increasing weaponisation of state institutions to coerce opposition figures into joining the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

The signatories, including Richard Akinnola, Abdul Mahmud, Dr. Sam Amadi, Nnimmo Bassey, and former Senator Babafemi Ojudu, among others, argued that Nigeria’s hard-won democracy, secured after decades of struggle against military rule, is being undermined by a disturbing pattern of political intimidation.

They pointed to the recent wave of defections by serving and former governors, federal lawmakers, and opposition leaders, attributing the trend not to genuine ideological alignment but to fear of persecution by anti-graft agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

“A democracy without opposition is not a democracy,” the statement declared. “Political pluralism is not a luxury—it is the lifeblood of any democratic system, ensuring accountability, fostering debate, and providing citizens with real choices.”

The group lamented that the current administration, rather than winning over critics through good governance, appears to be relying on coercion and financial inducements to consolidate power, a tactic they warned could lead to unchecked impunity and the suppression of dissenting voices.

The statement also invoked Nigeria’s recent history, reminding President Tinubu of his own role in the pro-democracy movement during military rule. “This drift toward a one-party state betrays the ideals many of us—including Mr. President—fought for,” the signatories noted, stressing that the absence of a viable opposition would stifle innovation in governance and marginalise young Nigerians seeking to engage in the political process.

Among the other notable figures who endorsed the declaration were Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, Dr. Jibrin Ibrahim, Hon. Uche Onyeagucha, and Chief Tola Adeniyi. They called on civil society, the media, and the international community to resist what they termed “creeping authoritarianism,” warning that silence in the face of such threats could have dire consequences for Nigeria’s future.

“We did not fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism,” the statement concluded. “History will not forgive complacency at this critical moment.” The signatories urged President Tinubu to recommit to the principles of multi-party democracy, halt the alleged persecution of opposition figures, and safeguard the constitutional rights of all Nigerians to free political association.

The statement comes amid growing unease over the ruling party’s expanding dominance, with opposition leaders increasingly raising concerns about the independence of key institutions.