Ozekhome Flags Nigeria’s Slide Into One-Party Rule

Referencing Nigeria’s political past, constitutional lawyer and senior advocate Mike Ozekhome pointed to the fall of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after 16 years in power—despite its bold assertion that it would govern for 60—as a cautionary tale about the impermanence of political dominance.

He warned that President Bola Tinubu’s tightening grip over critical institutions and sectors could lead to a scenario in 2027 where, if opposition parties remain fragmented, Tinubu ends up effectively running against himself.

Ozekhome also voiced concern over what he described as a growing sense of resignation among the populace. He urged Nigerians not to surrender to apathy or fear, emphasizing that true political power rests with the people. “The power is yours,” he declared, “not theirs.”

“We are gradually driving, without knowing it, towards a one-party state, and it’s a dangerous move if we are not careful. In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary pocketed, and everyone saying ‘yes, yes, yes’. Dictatorship, absolute corruption, which can no longer be checked,” he warned.

Citing lessons from Nigeria’s political past, renowned constitutional lawyer Mike Ozekhome drew attention to the dramatic fall of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), which, despite its confident projection of a 60-year reign, was swept out of power after just 16 years.

Using that historic reversal as a warning, Ozekhome cautioned that President Bola Tinubu’s tightening control over strategic sectors of governance could lead to a distorted political landscape in 2027—one where, if the opposition remains fractured and disorganized, Tinubu may find himself virtually unchallenged at the polls.

He also raised alarm over what he described as a creeping sense of public apathy, urging Nigerians not to surrender to disillusionment or fear. “The power is yours,” Ozekhome declared emphatically. “It is not theirs.” His message was a call to civic awareness and collective action—a reminder that democratic authority ultimately lies with the people, not those who temporarily occupy the corridors of power.

Africa Today News, New York