Leading Nigerian civil society activists have expressed concerns over the administration of President Bola Tinubu, accusing it of undermining the country’s democratic principles. In a statement, they warned that the government’s efforts to reduce Nigeria to a one-party state through intimidation and coercion are threatening the political pluralism that is essential for a healthy democracy. They highlighted the use of state institutions for partisan advantage, citing instances where opposition figures are pressured into joining the ruling party after facing allegations of financial impropriety.
The activists emphasized that a democracy without opposition is not a democracy. They argued that the current erosion of political choices and the persecution of opposition leaders are undermining accountability, stifling debate, and threatening the diversity that is crucial to Nigeria’s democratic fabric. This shift, they warned, is a betrayal of the struggles fought for during the military dictatorship years and goes against the ideals envisioned by the country’s Constitution.
The statement concluded with a call for Nigerians, civil society, and the international community to resist this creeping authoritarianism. The activists urged the government to honor the democratic path that brought it to power, respect the multi-party system, and end the intimidation of opposition leaders. They warned that failing to act could jeopardize Nigeria’s democracy for future generations.
