Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against actions capable of undermining Nigeria’s democratic institutions and stifling opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Makinde urged the Federal Government to respect the independence of the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), stressing that political power was transient while the Nigerian state remained permanent.
The governor made the appeal while reacting to the Federal High Court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), led by former Senate President, David Mark, and the process that produced former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate.
He spoke during an interview with Bauchi Radio Broadcasting in a video posted by the station on Friday.
Makinde expressed concern that the court’s decision had thrown the ADC’s leadership structure and preparations for the 2027 general elections into uncertainty, while also placing Atiku’s presidential ambition under threat.
He said, “What I want to say is that we all witnessed the court judgments that basically nullified the leadership of a major opposition party, ADC, and also, by that action, the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also came under threat.”
The governor, therefore, appealed to the Tinubu-led administration not to compromise the institutional independence of the judiciary and INEC, warning that the country’s democratic foundations must not be sacrificed on the altar of political expediency.
He said, “I just want to appeal to the present administration. Government will come and go. Our country will remain. They should please not destroy our institutions. Be it the judiciary, be it INEC, which is supposed to be independent and saddled with the responsibility of conducting a free and fair election.
“They must stop trying to shut out the opposition. If you can win, win fair and square, you know, in the field.”
Makinde also urged Nigerians not to surrender to despair over the country’s prevailing economic and socio-political challenges, expressing confidence that the difficulties confronting the nation were surmountable.
He encouraged citizens to remain committed to national development by playing their respective roles, expressing optimism that the country would eventually overcome its challenges.
“And lastly, I want to also say to Nigerians, 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, they are surmountable. So please try your best, do your own bit, and tomorrow will be a better day,” he added.
The controversy followed Thursday’s judgment of the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, which nullified the National Working Committee led by Mark and the emergence of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s National Secretary.
The court also invalidated decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the nomination of candidates for elective positions, and directed INEC not to recognise or act on decisions reached at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.
The judgment followed a suit instituted by former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East), Nafiu Bala Gombe, who challenged the process through which Mark and other members of the caretaker committee assumed control of the party.
However, Atiku has vowed to challenge the judgment at the Court of Appeal, describing the development as an attempt to weaken opposition forces ahead of the 2027 general elections.
On its part, the Bala Gombe-led faction welcomed the ruling, insisting that the Mark-led leadership lacked the legal authority to produce valid candidates for the forthcoming elections.