Ibadan, Oyo State – Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has raised concerns about the future of democracy in Nigeria, cautioning that the country risks devolving into a one-party system.
In a newsletter titled “The Business of Governance”, the governor noted that opposition voices are increasingly being threatened, marginalized, or constrained, warning that silence and indifference could steer Nigeria toward a path difficult to reverse.
Makinde highlighted recent developments within the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the African Democratic Congress (ADC), and the positions of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary as critical issues for anyone invested in the health of the nation’s democracy.
“A healthy democracy depends on balance, credible alternatives, and strong institutions,” Makinde said. “When opposition becomes ineffective, accountability weakens, and everyday challenges become harder to resolve.”
The governor emphasized that Nigeria has not reached a point of no return, but stressed that citizen engagement is crucial to protecting democratic space. “Democracy is built on plurality, on the presence of different voices, including those we may not agree with,” he added.
Makinde also addressed the upcoming transition period in Oyo State, assuring that consultations with credible individuals are ongoing and that decisions reflecting both past progress and future security will be communicated in due course.
He concluded with a call for vigilance and participation: “Our democracy will not be protected by silence; it will be protected by those who stay engaged, ask questions, and insist that our institutions work for the people.”
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