Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has issued a strong warning to President Bola Tinubu, cautioning against actions that could steer Nigeria towards a one-party state. He emphasized that such a move would not work in a country founded on federalism and multi-party democracy.

Makinde’s Warning During Media Chat

Makinde made these comments on Tuesday during a media session with journalists, monitored by SaharaReporters. The governor expressed concerns over the recent political defections and developments within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stating that such shifts had not altered his stance on Nigeria’s democratic foundations.

He stated, “In Nigeria today, we must rise above partisanship,” and clarified that despite the defections, his position remained unchanged.

Nigeria’s Federal Structure and Political Diversity

The governor reiterated that Nigeria’s founding fathers established the country on two key principles: federalism and political pluralism. He argued that abandoning these principles could jeopardize the nation’s stability.

“The people that negotiated Nigeria, they have two major things in that negotiation. First, federalism. That’s why we are called the Federal Republic of Nigeria,” Makinde explained. “The second is multi-party democracy. That’s why, at independence, we had parties like the Action Group, Northern People’s Congress, NEPU, and NCNC. It was a multi-party system.”

Warning Against One-Party System

Makinde warned that moving the country toward a single-party system would undermine Nigeria’s political structure, which was designed to manage its diverse cultures and regions. He described this shift as a serious threat to the nation’s democratic integrity.

Referring to his recent visit to the South-East, Makinde drew attention to Nigeria’s rich cultural diversity as a reason why the country needs a political structure that reflects this multiplicity. He shared a cultural example from his visit to Ebonyi, where a kola nut was presented to him as a symbol of respect. “Kola nuts are grown in the west, eaten in the north, and literally worshipped in the east. So, you have different nations, different cultures within the nation called Nigeria,” Makinde noted.

The Dangers of Weakening Opposition

Makinde also questioned the long-term consequences of weakening opposition politics in Nigeria. He warned that, if the country were to shift towards a one-party state, it could create problems if a multi-party or bipartisan approach was ever needed to resolve national issues. “What happens the day you require a multi-party or bipartisan approach to issues? Who are you going to call?” he asked.

Drawing from historical examples, Makinde reminded listeners of the political instability seen during the Arab Spring. “Once people don’t have leadership, they will find leaders, by all means,” he said, underscoring the risks of stifling political opposition.

Call for Responsible Leadership

Makinde concluded by calling for political leaders in Nigeria to exercise caution and responsibility, stating, “We better get our act together as political leaders in this country.” His comments highlighted the importance of preserving Nigeria’s democratic values and maintaining space for a diverse political landscape.