Pro-democracy organisation Nigeria Unite has petitioned the United States Senate, alleging that Nigeria is edging toward a democratic collapse and accusing key figures in government—particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike—of engineering a clampdown on opposition forces.
In the letter dated November 11, 2025, the coalition urged U.S. lawmakers to intervene diplomatically, warning that the weakening of democratic institutions in Nigeria poses a broader threat to regional stability in the Sahel and could have global implications.
According to the petition, the group fears that the same political decay seen in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger—where successive coups destabilised the region—is now unfolding in Nigeria. It described the situation as “a deepening emergency” with potential consequences for security, migration, and international peace.
Nigeria Unite alleged that Nigerian democracy is being undermined by poor governance, weakening institutions, and deliberate suppression of opposition activity. It accused Minister Wike of spearheading what it described as a “systematic effort” to concentrate political power and marginalise dissenting voices.
The group referenced the prolonged political turmoil in Rivers State following the breakdown of relations between Wike and Governor Siminalayi Fubara in 2023, pointing to the legislative crisis and fire incident at the State Assembly as symptoms of institutional decay.
Nigeria Unite further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of using coercion and inducements to weaken rival parties, warning that Nigeria risked drifting toward a de facto one-party system. It claimed that defections to the APC and alleged manipulation of opposition party structures—including incidents involving the PDP—illustrate a coordinated attempt to neutralise alternative political platforms.
Additionally, the coalition alleged that state resources were being used to reward political loyalty while opposition governors and lawmakers were left financially handicapped. It said this practice undermines fairness in governance and contributes to a climate of intimidation.
The petition also criticised the National Assembly, arguing that it has become overly aligned with the executive arm of government and no longer functions as an independent check on presidential power.
Nigeria Unite warned that a political crisis in a nation as populous and influential as Nigeria could trigger instability across Africa and escalate migration pressures on Europe and the United States. It urged the African Union, European Union, United Kingdom, and United States to intervene early to prevent a breakdown of governance.
The group called for targeted sanctions against Wike—including visa restrictions and asset seizures—and demanded accountability for what it described as compromised judicial and police officials. Judges John T. Tsoho, Peter Odo Lifu, Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik, and James K. Omotosho, along with the FCT Commissioner of Police and the Independent National Electoral Commission, were mentioned in the letter as individuals who should be scrutinised.
Concluding its appeal, Nigeria Unite said the international community must act swiftly to prevent the erosion of democratic norms in West Africa’s most populous country, warning that “time is running out to safeguard Nigeria’s political future.”
