- Seyi Makinde warned that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party system
- He said opposition voices were being threatened and increasingly marginalised
- He stressed that weakening opposition could undermine accountability and governance
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has expressed renewed concern over the state of democracy in Nigeria, warning that the country may be gradually drifting towards a one-party system.
In a newsletter titled The Business of Governance, Makinde noted that individuals who oppose the idea of a one-party state are increasingly facing intimidation, while opposition parties are being marginalised.
He cautioned that Nigeria could be entering a phase characterised by silence, apathy, and disengagement among citizens, a trend he warned might prove difficult to reverse if left unchecked.
“I hope you are well despite the challenges in our dear country. Developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), along with recent positions taken by INEC and the judiciary, are raising important questions,” he said.
Makinde stressed that the issues at stake extend beyond politics, affecting all Nigerians who are concerned about the country’s democratic future. He added that a healthy democracy relies on balance, credible alternatives, strong institutions, and public confidence in governance processes.
The governor further observed that opposition voices are increasingly being threatened, while dissenting opinions are constrained or pushed aside. According to him, such developments weaken accountability and undermine governance.
“Today, voices that speak up against Nigeria devolving into a one-party state are being openly threatened. Opposition is being fragmented, constrained, or pushed to the margins,” he said.
Makinde warned that when opposition becomes ineffective, the ability to hold government accountable diminishes, making it more difficult to address the everyday challenges faced by citizens.
He also touched on political developments within Oyo State, particularly as the state approaches a transition period. He assured residents that consultations were ongoing with credible individuals as part of a deliberate succession plan, adding that a decision would be communicated in due course.
Despite these reassurances, the governor emphasised that the broader national conversation about democracy must not be ignored, urging Nigerians to remain engaged and vigilant.