Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has warned President Bola Tinubu against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government of attempting to shut out opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde issued the warning while reacting to a court judgment that nullified the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has raised concerns over the party’s political future and the participation of major opposition figures in the 2027 elections.
The governor warned that political administrations would come and go, but Nigeria would remain, urging the Tinubu administration not to weaken or destroy critical democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
“I want to appeal to President Bola Tinubu. Governments will come and go, but our country will remain. Please, do not destroy our institutions, be it the Judiciary or INEC. Stop trying to shut out the opposition,” Makinde said.
He argued that INEC must remain independent and discharge its constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections without political interference.
According to him, political parties and their candidates should be allowed to compete freely, insisting that the ruling party should seek electoral victory through the ballot rather than actions capable of weakening opposition parties.
“We all witnessed the court judgment, that basically nullified the leadership of a major opposition party, ADC, and also, by that action, the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came under threat,” he said.
Makinde further urged the Tinubu administration to allow democratic institutions to function independently, warning that attempts to undermine the judiciary or the electoral commission could damage the country’s democratic foundations.
“We should not destroy our institutions, be it the judiciary, be it the INEC that is supposed to be independent, saddled with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections,” he said.
“They must stop trying to shut out the opposition. If you can win, win fair and square in the field,” the governor added.
The Oyo State governor also challenged the ruling party to demonstrate its electoral strength by competing fairly against opposition parties rather than taking steps that could restrict their participation in the democratic process.
He maintained that political competition should be determined by the choices of Nigerians at the polls, stressing that no political party should use its control of government to undermine the opportunities available to its opponents.
Beyond the political controversy, Makinde appealed to Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite the worsening economic, political and social challenges confronting citizens.
He acknowledged that Nigeria was facing numerous difficulties but maintained that the challenges could be overcome if citizens remained committed to building a better nation.
“I want to also say to Nigerians, please, don’t give up on this country. Yes, we are passing through challenges; we are faced with a lot of issues, but those issues, those challenges are surmountable,” Makinde said.
“So, please, try your best, do your own beat, and tomorrow, Nigeria will be a better place to live in,” he added.
The controversy surrounding the ADC leadership has intensified concerns over the future of opposition politics and the participation of major political figures in the 2027 presidential election.
The court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership has raised questions about the party’s leadership structure and its ability to provide a political platform for opposition figures ahead of the next general elections.
Makinde’s warning comes amid growing political tensions over the positioning of opposition parties and the role of democratic institutions in ensuring a credible electoral process in 2027.
The governor’s remarks have added to calls for the protection of the independence of the judiciary and INEC, with concerns that any attempt to weaken these institutions could undermine public confidence in Nigeria’s democratic process.