Leading civil society activists in Nigeria have raised alarm over what they describe as a calculated effort by the current administration to dismantle the democratic foundations of the country and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state. They argue that the ongoing attempts to weaken political opposition, alongside the weaponization of state institutions, pose a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
In a statement titled ‘Defending democracy: A call to resist a one-party state in Nigeria,’ the activists emphasized the importance of political pluralism in sustaining a healthy democracy. The statement was signed by prominent figures, including Richard Akinnola, Abdul Mahmud, Dr. Sam Amadi, Nnimmo Bassey, and others, who vowed to resist any attempt to stifle opposition and democracy.
The statement reads: "We are witnessing, with increasing dismay, a calculated and systematic effort by the administration of President Bola Tinubu to dismantle the democratic foundations of our republic and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state. Political pluralism is being eroded not by persuasion or performance, but by bribery, blackmail, and coercion."
The activists pointed to the mass defection of political leaders to the ruling party under duress, highlighting the role of the EFCC and other state agencies as tools to force political capitulation. They warned that the collapse of opposition parties undermines democracy, stating, “A democracy without opposition is not a democracy.”
The statement also expressed concern about the long-term impact of this shift toward authoritarianism, including the erosion of public trust, accountability, and the stifling of political space for young Nigerians to engage in national discourse. The activists called on President Tinubu to respect the multi-party system, end the persecution of opposition leaders, and uphold the democratic ideals that brought him to power.
The statement concluded with a rallying cry to the Nigerian people, urging them to stand firm in defense of democracy and prevent the return of 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."
