Governor Seyi Makinde has cautioned that Nigeria may be drifting towards a one-party state, raising concerns about the future of democracy in the country.
In a newsletter titled “The business of governance,” the governor noted that dissenting voices are increasingly under pressure, while opposition parties are being sidelined.
He said: “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.
These are not just political issues; they concern anyone who believes in the future of democracy in our country.”
Makinde warned that Nigerians are gradually withdrawing from national conversations due to a loss of confidence in the system.
According to him: “This has led to some people beginning to withdraw quietly from conversations about our future because they feel their voices no longer matter.”
He stressed that a strong democracy relies on balance and active opposition, cautioning that threats against dissenting voices could weaken accountability.
“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 added.
The governor further warned against complacency, noting: “I do not believe Nigeria has reached a point of no return. But I do believe we are at a point where silence, indifference, or withdrawal could take us in a direction we may later struggle to reverse.”
Makinde concluded by urging citizens and leaders to stay engaged in safeguarding democracy, saying: “Our democracy will not be protected by silence; it will be protected by those who stay engaged, ask questions, and insist that our institutions work for the people.”