Members of the Council of State have been called upon to prevail on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold democratic values by drawing lessons from past leaders, including Olusegun Obasanjo, Goodluck Jonathan and the late Umaru Musa Yar’Adua.
This call was made by a civil society organisation, Alliance for Democratic Rights (ADR) in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday, ADR’s National President, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, and National Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Funtua.
They urged the Council – comprising former Heads of State and past and present Chief Justices of Nigeria – to use their experience to guide the current administration and safeguard the country’s democracy.
The group expressed concern over what it described as alleged interference by the Presidency in the internal affairs of opposition political parties, warning that such actions could undermine Nigeria’s multiparty system ahead of the 2027 general elections.
According to ADR, recent crises within the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have raised suspicions among Nigerians, with some perceiving external influence despite official denials.
“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 said.
ADR warned that the involvement of the Presidency and segments of the judiciary in party affairs could erode democratic principles and trigger political instability if left unchecked.
“The meddling in the affairs of political parties is gradually destroying citizens’ rights to a multiparty democracy,” the group stated, adding that Nigeria’s laws clearly define the autonomy of political parties in managing their internal processes.
The organisation also raised concerns about the role of the judiciary, alleging that courts are increasingly encroaching on matters that fall within the jurisdiction of political parties.
It further expressed apprehension over the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) under Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan, warning that both the electoral body and the judiciary could pose risks to democratic stability if current trends persist.
ADR emphasised that democracy cannot thrive without a strong and stable opposition, cautioning against any drift 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,” the civil society group said. This was as it decried the silence of the Council of State amid rising political tensions.
While calling for the protection of democratic institutions, ADR concluded by warning that the continued interference in party affairs could weaken internal democracy and set a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections.
