By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Professor Mike Ozekhome, has warned that Nigeria is heading towards authoritarianism, which could lead to a de facto one-party state if the current trend persists.
On Channels Television’s Hard Copy program, Ozekhome expressed concern over the erosion of political diversity and ideological identity in the country’s democratic space.
He said, “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme. Everybody will agree. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary will be pocketed, and everybody will be saying ‘yes, yes, yes.'”
He criticized the increasing number of politicians switching parties, describing it as a sign of weak ideological foundations. Ozekhome drew parallels with Nigeria’s past, recalling the PDP’s overconfidence in its supposed 60-year rule, which ultimately ended after 16 years. He warned that something similar could lead to authoritarianism under the current administration.
He said, “It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi; they’re the same.” He mentioned the lack of ideological differences among politicians.
Ozekhome also expressed concern about President Bola Tinubu’s consolidation of power and the fragmentation of opposition forces, which could lead to an uncompetitive 2027 election. He said that the public’s apathy and resignation were troubling. He likened it to “Stockholm Syndrome,” where victims sympathize with their captors. He urged Nigerians by calling on them to reclaim their democratic strength.
