Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of attempting to steer Nigeria toward a one-party state, warning that such a development would endanger the nation’s democracy and contradict its founding principles.
Makinde spoke during a recent media chat with selected media organisations, where he maintained that Nigeria’s independence leaders deliberately negotiated a federal and multi-party system to protect political competition and national cohesion.
According to him, “those who negotiated Nigeria were concerned with two major things. One is federalism… Secondly, they were concerned about multi-party democracy.”
He argued that efforts to weaken opposition parties or promote defection into the ruling party amounted to pushing the country toward a one-party system.
“It will not work,” he declared, cautioning that the lack of political alternatives could trigger public unrest.
The governor reflected on his own political journey to underscore the importance of competition in politics.
He recalled contesting elections under different conditions and parties, losing several times before eventually emerging as governor, saying he never relied on political “godfathers” to secure office.
Makinde also revisited the events surrounding the 2023 presidential election and internal crisis within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), including disagreements over power rotation and calls for restructuring of party leadership.
He said his position at the time was driven by the need for balance and inclusion within the party and the country.
He further disclosed that although President Tinubu had asked him to nominate a minister, his preferred candidate was not appointed, adding that he declined the president’s subsequent request to help organise the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State because he remains a PDP member.
Makinde argued that what Nigeria needs is a government of national unity and competence, insisting that the current structure does not reflect that ideal.
He warned that rising hardship and perceived political exclusion could fuel public anger ahead of 2027 if steps are not taken to strengthen democratic institutions and competition.
“Our energy must be channelled toward sustaining democracy,” he said, adding that Nigeria “runs the risk of an Arab Spring-type scenario” if citizens continue to feel excluded and governance does not improve.
The governor urged political leaders to prioritise national interest, protect the multi-party system, and ensure that democratic gains are not eroded.
