Civil Society Appeals to Tinubu to Follow Democratic Examples of Past Leaders
A prominent civil society organization, the Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR), has issued a strong appeal to members of Nigeria's Council of State, urging them to pressure President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to adhere to democratic values by learning from the legacies of former leaders Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan, and the late Umaru Musa Yar'Adua. In a detailed statement released in Abuja on Sunday, ADR's National President, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, and National Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Funtua, emphasized the critical role of the Council—which includes former Heads of State and past and present Chief Justices of Nigeria—in leveraging their extensive experience to mentor the current administration and protect the nation's democratic framework.
Concerns Over Political Interference and Multiparty System
The group expressed deep apprehension regarding what it labeled as alleged interference by the Presidency in the internal operations of opposition political parties. ADR cautioned that such actions could severely undermine Nigeria's multiparty system, especially with the 2027 general elections approaching. According to the organization, recent internal crises within parties like the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People's Democratic Party (PDP) have sparked widespread suspicion among Nigerians, with many perceiving external manipulation despite official denials from authorities.
"Former presidents and heads of state are endowed with enormous experience to guide the present leadership and halt perceived interference, including in the judiciary," the statement asserted. ADR warned that ongoing involvement by the Presidency and certain judicial segments in party affairs risks eroding fundamental democratic principles and could lead to significant political instability if not addressed promptly.
Threats to Democratic Institutions and Opposition
ADR highlighted that meddling in political party processes is gradually eroding citizens' rights to a robust multiparty democracy. The group pointed out that Nigerian laws explicitly grant political parties autonomy in managing their internal affairs, and any infringement on this autonomy sets a dangerous precedent. Additionally, the organization raised alarms about the judiciary's role, alleging that courts are increasingly overstepping into matters that should be handled by political parties themselves.
The statement also voiced concerns over the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under the leadership of Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan. ADR warned that both INEC and the judiciary could pose serious risks to democratic stability if current trends of encroachment and interference continue unchecked. The group stressed that a healthy democracy relies on a strong and stable opposition, cautioning against any movement toward a one-party system.
"It should be clear that the quest for a one-party system cannot augur well for this country. Nigerians will resist it. Patriotic leaders must speak up now before it is too late," Chucks emphasized in the statement.
Call for Council of State Intervention
ADR lamented the perceived silence of the Council of State amid escalating political tensions, urging its members to take immediate action to safeguard democratic institutions. The organization concluded by warning that persistent interference in party affairs could weaken internal democracy and establish a harmful precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections, potentially jeopardizing the country's democratic future.
