Oyo State Governor and 2027 presidential hopeful, Seyi Makinde, has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of attempting to weaken opposition parties and undermine Nigeria’s democratic institutions ahead of the next general elections.
Makinde made the allegation while reacting to the recent Federal High Court judgment affecting the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the presidential ambition of former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar.
Speaking during an interview with the Bauchi Radio Corporation (BRC), the governor described the judgment as unfortunate and undemocratic, warning against moves that could push Nigeria towards a one-party state.
“There is no way Nigeria can be a one-party state. The APC must get that clear,” he said.
Makinde called on President Bola Tinubu and the ruling party to allow opposition parties to operate freely, stressing that political competition was essential to the country’s democracy.
“President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the APC should allow the opposition to breathe. What happened to the ADC and its presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, is rather unfortunate and undemocratic,” he stated.
He also cautioned the Federal Government against actions that could compromise the independence of critical democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
According to him, political administrations would come and go, but the country’s institutions must remain protected.
“They must stop trying to shut out the opposition. If you can win, win fair and square in the field,” Makinde said.
The governor further criticised the economic policies of the Tinubu administration, arguing that major reforms were introduced without adequate planning and proper implementation frameworks, thereby worsening the economic difficulties confronting Nigerians.
He identified insecurity as another major challenge facing the country, insisting that addressing the situation would require fundamental reforms and strong political will.
Makinde said these challenges informed the development of his party’s Reset Nigeria Agenda, which he described as a comprehensive plan aimed at addressing the country’s economic, security and governance problems.
He explained that the agenda would focus on economic reforms, sustainable development, national unity and the restoration of true federalism.
The APM presidential candidate also urged Nigerians not to lose hope in the country despite the prevailing challenges, expressing optimism that the situation could improve through collective efforts and responsible leadership.
“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,” he said.
Makinde maintained that Nigeria needed an inclusive political environment where opposition parties could freely participate in elections and democratic institutions could perform their constitutional responsibilities without interference.
