Tambuwal Accuses Tinubu of Adopting Abacha's Tactics to Compromise Democracy
Former Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal, has leveled serious allegations against President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of employing strategies reminiscent of the late General Sani Abacha to undermine Nigeria's democratic framework. Tambuwal claims that Tinubu is orchestrating a deliberate effort to destabilize opposition parties ahead of upcoming general elections, aiming to create a one-party dominance similar to Abacha's controversial transition program.
Allegations of Political Manipulation
Speaking to journalists after the African Democratic Congress (ADC) state congress in Sokoto, Tambuwal asserted that the Presidency is fueling internal crises within rival political parties to benefit the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He warned that this tactic threatens the nation's multi-party democracy, citing negative influences on opposition platforms such as the Labour Party (LP) and the New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP). Tambuwal also criticized the administration for exacerbating socioeconomic issues, including persistent insecurity, rising poverty, and unemployment, while expressing hope that the ADC could serve as a credible alternative to rescue Nigeria from misrule.
PDP Chairmen Forum Raises Concerns
In a separate development, the Lagos chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmen Forum, led by Chairman Aderounmu Adeyemi, cautioned against growing attempts by the APC to steer Nigeria towards a one-party structure. Addressing journalists in Lagos, Adeyemi emphasized that weakening opposition voices could erode democratic principles and foster authoritarian tendencies. He stressed the importance of a vibrant multi-party system for accountability, inclusiveness, and good governance.
The forum also criticized recent urban renewal actions by the Lagos government, particularly the demolition of waterfront communities, which it described as a humanitarian concern due to displacement without proper consultation or resettlement plans. Additionally, the group expressed dissatisfaction with declining living conditions in the state, pointing to challenges in healthcare delivery, rising insecurity from cult-related violence and kidnappings, and inadequate attention to economic stability, infrastructure, and public welfare. The forum appealed to the judiciary for timely resolution of pending legal matters involving the party, reaffirming loyalty to PDP leadership and acknowledging figures like Seyi Makinde and Olabode George.
Supreme Court to Hear Appeals on Party Crises
The Supreme Court has scheduled hearings for Tuesday, April 14, 2026, on three appeals arising from leadership disputes within the PDP and ADC. Two appeals were filed by a PDP faction led by Kabiru Turaki, challenging Court of Appeal judgments that upheld Federal High Court rulings restraining the PDP from conducting its planned national convention in November 2025. These rulings, by Justices James Omotosho and Peter Lifu, required the PDP to comply with statutory provisions like the Electoral Act and party guidelines, following suits by aggrieved members including Austin Nwachukwu and Sule Lamido.
The third appeal, filed by former Senate President Senator David Mark, who is also a factional National Chairman of the ADC, challenges a Court of Appeal decision that dismissed his earlier appeal in an ADC leadership dispute. The appellate court, led by Justice Uchechukwu Onyemenam, upheld a preliminary objection, deeming Mark's appeal incompetent. All three cases are set for definitive determination by the Supreme Court, highlighting ongoing legal battles that could impact Nigeria's political landscape.
