By Ayo Oyoze Baje
Quote
“Don’t be afraid of criticism; the tallest trees are always confronted by the strongest winds.” — Goodreads
Some recent events unfolding across Nigeria’s effervescent political landscape, mostly related to the desperation of political helmsmen to hang on to political power, or grab it by force, fiat, by threats and intimidation come 2027 are inimical to the condut of free, fair and credible electionsl. Yet, millions of peace-loving Nigerians desire and indeed, deserve a general election that is devoid of all forms of violence.
Unfortunately, the evolving events in question hinged on base and primordial sentiments of ethnicity, religion and political leanings could act as triggers to spark off chaos and anarchy, if not well managed right away. Hence, one’s current concern to raise the timely alarm for all the stakeholders including the Joash Amupitan-led Independent National Electoral Commission,INEC, its officials, members of all the registered political parties, their supporters, the police, the rudderless youth, and of course,the electorate; to tread with utmost caution, now before things get out of hand.
For instance, the recent issue of the potential disqualification of the David Mark – led African Democratic Congress,ADC
due to severe internal leadership wranglings and legal constraints
has generated conflicting misinterpretations, all heating up the polity.
While INEC has halted recognition of the party leadership due to pending court cases, warning the party to adhere to strict compliance deadlines, coupled with the inability to submit documents, that delicate situation has created “artificial non-compliance” that could bar the ADC from fielding candidates.
The interpretation in the public domain however, is that of having a one – party state which will exacerbate an already volatile situation.
But the key reasons for INEC’s decision include
intense internal leadership crisis that has engulfed the ADC since July 2025, with rival factions claiming control. This has led to multiple lawsuits that have disrupted party operations. INEC is therefore,
citing a court order to maintain the status quo pending final judicial determination. Also, due to the leadership imbroglio the party is struggling to meet the strict 21-day notice requirements and deadline for submitting relevant documents, such as for conventions.
On its part, the party has warned that this troubling situation amounts to a deliberate attempt on the part of the APC to stifle opposition ahead of 2027 elections. This led to the recent protests by members of ADC in Abuja.
Beaming light into the specific violations and accusations, the party is accused of violating
Section 82(4) of the Electoral Act by
using “Interim” or “Caretaker” committees instead of holding mandatory elective congresses for leadership transitions.With reference to
Section 82(1) and 82(5) of the Electoral Act, a memo pointed to failure in notifying the appropriate authorities of party activities, rendering actions invalid. Similarly, concerning
Section 225A of the Constitutiob, a petition filed by the National Forum of Former Legislators (NFFL) alleges the ADC failed to meet performance thresholds (25% of votes in a state) and seeks its deregistration.
Ordinarily, political parties that provide strong opposition to the ruling political party give a level playing field for the electorate to make its credible choice between them. Thai is more so, if the ruling party is examined and observed by the led majority not to have lived to the public’s expectations. That is, given the parameters of the people’s security, human development specifically with access to quality food items that are wholesome, nutritious and affordable. In addition, is that of standard education and healthcare delivery. With regards to productivity there should be an enabling environment of steady. electric power supply, pitably water, good access roads and available financial intervention to act as catalysts for sustainable economic development. Where such are below the par, and there are no opposition parties the nation gravitates to dictatorship in the garb of democracy.
Worthy of note is that since 1960 Nigeria has had some opposition parties. For instance, during the First Republic (1960-1966) the Action Group ( AG ) led by Chief Obafemi Awolowo was effective.So was the Unity Party of Nigeria ( UPN ) during the Second Republic ( 1979-1983). Between then and as at this day others such as Nigerian People’s Party ( NPP ), People’s Redemption Party ( PRP ) and Social Democratic Party,( SDP , 1992) have held sway.
Even the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN ) and the Congress for Progressive Change ( CPC ) which merged to form the All Progressive Congress ( APC) formed opposition to the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ). Eventually, it got the political power from the PDP. It would be curious for it not to accommodate other opposition parties. That brings us to the deployment of threats to those who oppose the APC.
Recently,
Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) , faced intense criticism and calls for an apology. That was after a statement directed at Channels Television anchor, Seun Okinbaloye.The minister stated during a live broadcast of ‘Politics Today’ that he would have “shot” the journalist over a critical line of questioning. The anchor suggested that the current leadership crisis in opposition parties could lead to a one-party state under President Bola Tinubu and the APC.
Though following backlash, Wike’s office and the minister himself claimed the remark was “figurative” and “hyperbolic,” not a literal threat to take a life, the narrative of some politicians who were once vocal in opposition now hating to be opposed has been sold. In fact, IBAN warned that its members would boycott all media engagements organized by the minister if he did not publicly apologize to the journalist.That brings to the political table the question of: What manner of democracy ate we practicing here?
Lest we forget,
democracy was introduced in ancient Athens, Greece, around 507–508 BCE, by leader Cleisthenes to allow citizens to have a voice in government. Known as demokratia (“rule by the people”), this system replaced tyranny with a direct democracy, featuring a Council of 500 (Boule), assembly meetings (Ekklesia), and a court system.
Specifically, Athenian democracy, though limited, broke from traditional oligarchies and tyrannies to build the foundation for citizen-led governance.
Nigerian politicians should therefore, not take us back to despotism and dictatorship surreptitiously garbed
in the gowns of democracy. Let Nigerians be free to choose who they want as their leaders come 2027 elections. Love is never by force or threats. Not at all! As Ubblu rightly noted:”
No man is good enough to govern another man without that other’s consent.”
