A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, has accused the President Bola Tinubu- led administration of treating opposition political parties as a threat rather than a legitimate component of democratic governance.
He warned that such a trend could erode accountability and deny Nigerians the benefits of credible alternatives.
Aborisade, who made the allegation on Monday during a press conference in Ibadan, Oyo State, also called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof Joash Amupitan, alleging that recent actions of the commission had raised concerns about its neutrality.
He called on the APC-led Federal Government to allow opposition parties operate freely, saying that the country’s democracy is under threat.
“When opposition voices are silenced, the people lose their power to choose, to question, and to demand accountability,” he said
The legal expert expressed concerns over what he described as “shrinking political space” currently being witnessed in the country, stressing that opposition remains a critical pillar of any democratic system.
“A democracy without opposition is not a democracy; it is a gradual descent into authoritarianism,” he said.
The ADC chieftain condemned moves to weaken opposition parties, citing recent developments within his party, including the alleged delisting of some of the party’s leaders.
According to him, the development suggests external interference aimed at suppressing dissent and limiting political competition.
“There appears to be a deliberate attempt to weaken opposition parties across the country. This is not just about the ADC; it is about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” he said.
Aborisade maintained that the ADC remained resolute and would continue to operate within the ambit of the law.
He said the party had duly notified INEC of its planned congresses and conventions, noting that the commission’s role was limited to observation.
“There have been instances where political parties conducted their primaries without INEC’s presence and the outcomes were still recognised. There must be consistency and fairness,” he said.
The governorship hopeful urged the Federal Government to focus on pressing national challenges such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment and rising cost of living, rather than targeting opposition parties.
“Suppressing opposition will not solve insecurity. Silencing dissent will not create jobs. What Nigeria needs is inclusive governance,” he said.
Aborisade also dismissed speculations of factionalisation within the ADC in Oyo State, insisting that the party in the State remained united.
He affirmed that Alhaji Yinka Olona remained the recognised chairman of the party in the state, while Mr Ayo Akinyemi is the recognised Chairman of the Membership Registration and Membership Revalidation (MRMR), adding that this had been confirmed by the party’s national leadership.
The ADC aspirant, however, called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process to safeguard the nation’s future.