A Call for Democratic Integrity and Political Freedom
A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo, Niyi Aborisade, has raised concerns about the current state of democracy in Nigeria. During a press conference held on Monday in Ibadan, he urged President Bola Tinubu to allow opposition parties to operate freely, warning that without opposition, democracy risks transforming into authoritarianism.
Aborisade emphasized that the federal government is treating opposition politics not as a legitimate part of democracy but as a threat to be neutralized. This sentiment comes in the wake of the Independent National Electoral Commission’s (INEC) decision to delist Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the ADC.
The delisting of party leaders by INEC has sparked serious concerns, according to Aborisade. He suggested that the action might have been influenced by external forces uncomfortable with dissent and political competition. The ADC candidate stressed that the party remains committed to its decisions made during congresses and conventions, which will proceed as scheduled.
Aborisade argued that suppressing opposition parties would not address critical issues such as insecurity, job creation, or reducing the cost of living. He noted that undermining political competition could further strain an already struggling economy. According to him, what the ADC is currently experiencing is part of a broader pattern aimed at weakening opposition parties across the country.
Democracy, he said, is sustained by legitimacy, which arises from fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for diverse views. A government that fears opposition is one that fears accountability, he added. Nigeria, he asserted, belongs to everyone, not just a single party or a select group of individuals.
Beyond opposition politics, the government must confront pressing challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs. Aborisade called on the federal government to prioritize these issues rather than weaken opposition parties.
He advised the government to choose the path of democracy, inclusion, and hope instead of authoritarianism or fear. “Nigeria stands today at a critical juncture,” he stated. “The health of our democracy is being tested, not just by economic hardship and insecurity, but by a shrinking political space that threatens the very foundation upon which democratic governance is built.”
Aborisade highlighted that the recent delisting of ADC leaders by INEC raises serious concerns. From all indications, this action appears to have been influenced by forces outside the party structure, which are uncomfortable with dissent and alternative ideas. He warned that there is a deliberate attempt to eliminate opposition parties across the country.
He emphasized that under President Tinubu’s leadership, opposition politics is increasingly seen as a threat rather than a legitimate component of democracy. This is dangerous, as democracy thrives on debate, disagreement, and multiple political ideologies. When opposition voices are silenced, the people lose their power to choose, question, and demand accountability.
Despite these challenges, Aborisade assured Nigerians that the ADC remains resolute. The party has taken a firm and principled stand, and its congresses and conventions will proceed as planned. He stressed that the ADC has fulfilled all statutory requirements by notifying INEC, as stipulated by law.
The role of INEC, he said, is clearly defined: to observe party activities, not interfere or dictate their course. He pointed out that there have been instances where political party primaries were conducted without INEC’s presence, yet their outcomes were recognized. Therefore, consistency, fairness, and adherence to the law must prevail.
Aborisade noted that what is happening is more than an isolated administrative issue; it is part of a broader pattern aimed at eroding the strength of opposition parties. The APC-led government’s plan to suppress opposition is becoming evident, but he warned that such a plan cannot be sustained. The Nigerian people and the international community are watching, and history will judge.
He reiterated that democracy is not sustained by power alone but by legitimacy, which comes from fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for divergent views. A government that fears opposition is one that fears accountability, and ultimately loses the trust of the people.
Aborisade posed a question: What kind of Nigeria do we want to build? One where only one voice is heard, where dissent is punished, and where political competition is stifled, or one where ideas flourish, leaders are held accountable, and the people have real choices?
He concluded that Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a single party or a selected group of individuals. The political space must remain open, inclusive, and competitive.
Beyond opposition politics, the nation must address urgent challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, inflation, unemployment, and rising living costs. At this time, the government should focus on solutions rather than weakening opposition parties.
Aborisade urged the Federal Government to let the opposition breathe, allow political parties to operate freely, respect democratic principles, uphold the rule of law, and create a level playing field for all.
History has shown that strong democracies are built not by suppressing opposition but by engaging it. Opposition parties are not enemies of the state; they are partners in the democratic process, providing alternative ideas, checking excesses, and ensuring that governance remains accountable to the people.
As the nation moves forward, Aborisade called for the path of democracy, inclusion, and hope, rather than authoritarianism or fear. Nigeria deserves better, and together, the people can build a nation where democracy is not just practised but protected.
