We’re resisting Tinubu’s systematic effort to dismantle democratic foundations of Nigeria, Adele Jinadu, Akinola, Ojudu, Rafsanjani, 14 others declare

By KEMI KASUMU

…these eminent Nigerian stakeholders berated the political pluralism being eroded under Tinubu’s watch. They are more concerned when such attitude is not even by persuasion or performance, but by bribery, blackmail, and coercion

The real and more realistic Renewed Hope that Nigerians can support, amidst the current unprecedented hardship and officially inflicted poverty level as well as collapse of national values in the country, is to join the ongoing effort by pro-democracy groups and individuals in saving the nation from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s manner of administration that is drifting the nation towards tyranny.

This was the general view of concerned citizens, who have called on patriotic Nigerians, hungry or well fed, to stand up to the challenge and rescue their country, future and future of their children’s children from the authoritarian administration currently in Abuja.

Among Nigerians, who have risen to this challenge, are 18 notable pro-democracy and human rights activists who are saying enough is enough and that the nation, because it is bigger than anyone, must move forward.

They are Richard Akinnola, lawyer, author, journalist and Director of Media Law Office, Auwa Ibrahim Musa (Rasfajani), Executive Director, Civil Society Legislative Centre (CISLAC) and Country Head for Transparency International in Nigeria (TIN), political science expert, Professor Adele Jinadu, former Federal Lawmaker Uche Onyeagucha, former Political Adviser to President Muhammadu Buhari, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Abdul Mahmud, Dr Sam Amadi, former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Professor Chidi Odinkalu, and veteran journalist Chief Tola Adeniyi.

Others are Nnimmo Bassey, Adeola Soetan, Uzodinma Nwaogbe, Mma Odi, Osa Director, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Prof Chidi Odinkalu, Dr Jibrin Ibrahim, Femi Aborisade and ⁠Olufemi Adegbulugbe.

In a statement obtained by The DEFENDER on Monday titled, “DEFENDING DEMOCRACY: A CALL TO RESIST THE MARCH TOWARD A ONE-PARTY STATE IN NIGERIA”, these eminent Nigerian stakeholders berated the political pluralism being eroded under Tinubu’s watch.

They are more concerned when such attitude is not even by persuasion or performance, but by bribery, blackmail, and coercion as, according to them, “serving and former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and key opposition figures are decamping en masse to the ruling party, not out of conviction, but out of fear and pressure.”

Addressing “Fellow Nigerians, Friends of Democracy” in the statement, the activists said:

“We, the undersigned democrats, raise our voices in alarm and solidarity at this critical hour in the life of our nation. Nigeria’s democracy—hard-won through decades of struggle, sacrifice, and steadfast resistance against authoritarian rule—is under grave threat.

“We are witnessing, with increasing dismay, a calculated and systematic effort by the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to dismantle the democratic foundations of our republic and reduce Nigeria to a one-party state.

“Under this administration, political pluralism is being eroded not by persuasion or performance, but by bribery, blackmail, and coercion. Serving and former governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, and key opposition figures are decamping en masse to the ruling party, not out of conviction, but out of fear and pressure. The pattern is disturbingly clear: an invitation by the EFCC for questioning on financial impropriety is swiftly followed by political capitulation. This weaponization of state institutions for partisan gain corrodes public trust and undermines the integrity of our democracy.

“We must say it clearly: a democracy without opposition is not a democracy. The presence of multiple, vibrant parties is not a luxury—it is the lifeblood of any democratic system. It provides citizens with real choices, ensures accountability, encourages debate, and fosters innovation in governance.

“The drift toward a one-party state is a betrayal of the ideals that many of us—and indeed President Tinubu himself—fought for during the darkest days of military dictatorship. It is not what we envisioned when we stood in the streets demanding civil rule. It is not what the constitution guarantees. And it is not what Nigeria’s future demands.

“The implications of this creeping authoritarianism are dire:

“• We risk returning to a culture of impunity, where the absence of opposition breeds arrogance and unaccountable governance.

“• We jeopardize the federal character of our democracy by suffocating the diversity of voices and interests that make up our republic.

“• We stifle the political space for young Nigerians to organize, question, and contribute to the national discourse.”

This must stop

They continued, “We call on Mr president to remember the democratic path that brought him to power, to respect the multi-party architecture of our republic, and to end the persecution and intimidation of opposition leaders. The strength of a democracy lies not in the dominance of one party, but in the ability of many to coexist, compete, and cooperate for the good of all.

“We urge the Nigerian people, civil society, the media, and the international community to stand vigilant and speak out. History will not be kind to silence in the face of this unfolding danger.

“We did not fight to end military dictatorship only to enthrone civilian authoritarianism. We must rise now to defend democracy, or risk losing it forever.”