Makinde urges Tinubu to allow opposition parties to compete freely
By Adejayan Gbenga
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has urged President Bola Tinubu to allow opposition parties to operate freely and compete in the 2027 general elections, warning against actions that could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions.
Makinde called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to seek electoral victory through fair competition rather than attempts to sideline political opponents. He stressed that opposition parties must be allowed to participate fully in the democratic process.
The governor made the remarks while reacting to a court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), a development that has raised concerns about the party’s leadership and former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition.
He appealed to Tinubu to protect the independence of critical democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), against political interference.
“Governments will come and go, but our country will remain. Please, do not destroy our institutions, be it the Judiciary or INEC. Stop trying to shut out the opposition,” Makinde said.
Expressing concern over the implications of the court ruling, the governor said the judgment had placed the ADC’s leadership and Atiku’s presidential ambition under threat. He warned against allowing political interests to undermine the country’s democratic institutions.
“We all witnessed the court judgment, that basically nullified the leadership of a major opposition party, ADC, and also, by that action, the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came under threat,” he said.
Makinde further insisted that INEC must be allowed to discharge its constitutional responsibility of conducting free, fair and credible elections without political interference. He urged the ruling party to give opposition candidates equal opportunities to participate, adding that electoral victories should be determined by voters. “They must stop trying to shut out the opposition. If you can win, win fair and square in the field,” he said.
Beyond the political concerns, the governor urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country despite its economic, political and social challenges. He expressed confidence that the difficulties could be overcome through collective efforts and commitment to national development, urging citizens to contribute their quota towards building a better Nigeria. “Please, don’t give up on this country. Yes, we are passing through challenges; we are faced with a lot of issues, but those issues, those challenges are surmountable,” he said.
