Let opposition breathe, Oyo ADC guber aspirant tells Tinubu

A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo, Niyi Aborisade, has urged President Bola Tinubu, to allow the opposition parties to breathe, adding that democracy without opposition is not a democracy but a gradual descent into authoritarianism.

Speaking during a press conference held on Monday in Ibadan, he alleged that opposition politics is being treated by the federal government not as a legitimate component of democracy, but as a threat to be neutralised.

This follows the Independent National Electoral Commission’s recent decision to delist Senator David Mark and Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as national chairman and national secretary of the party.

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He further added that the delisting of some of the party leaders by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raises serious concerns, adding that the action appeared to have been influenced by forces outside the party structure.

Aborisade stated that the party has taken a firm and principled stand on the decisions of its congresses and conventions, which would be held as scheduled.

The ADC governorship candidate stated that suppression of the opposition parties by the ruling party will not solve insecurity, create jobs, and that undermining political competition will not reduce the cost of living in the country.

Aborisade further stated that what the party is currently witnessing today is more than an isolated administrative issue, but part of a broader pattern that seeks to erode the strength of opposition parties.

He said that democracy is not sustained by power alone, but by legitimacy, which, according to him, comes from fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for divergent views, adding that a government that fears opposition is a government that fears accountability.

Aborisade asserted that Nigeria belongs to everyone and not a single party or a selected group of individuals, adding that political space must remain open, inclusive, and competitive.

He noted that beyond the issue of opposition politics, the government must also confront the pressing challenges facing the nation, which, according to him, include insecurity, Economic hardship, Inflation, unemployment, and rising cost of living, among others, instead of weakening the opposition parties.

The ADC governorship aspirant, however, advised the federal government to choose the path of democracy, inclusion, and hope, not authoritarianism or fear.

“Nigeria stands today at a critical juncture. The health of our democracy is being tested, not just by economic hardship and insecurity, but by a shrinking political space that threatens the very foundation upon which democratic governance is built. A democracy without opposition is not a democracy; it is a gradual descent into authoritarianism.

“The current situation within our great party, the ADC, is a clear example of this troubling trend. The recent delisting of some of our party leaders by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) raises serious concerns. From all indications, this action appears to have been influenced by forces outside the party structure, forces that are uncomfortable with dissent, alternative ideas, and credible political competition.

“Let me say this clearly: Nigerians are not unaware of the masquerade that is dancing. The signs are evident. The pattern is becoming familiar. There appears to be a deliberate and calculated attempt to KILL opposition parties across the country. This is not just about ADC; it is about the future of democracy in Nigeria.

“Under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, there is a growing perception that opposition politics is being treated not as a legitimate component of democracy, but as a threat to be neutralised. This is dangerous. Democracy thrives on debate, disagreement, and the coexistence of multiple political ideologies. When opposition voices are silenced, the people lose their power to choose, to question, and to demand accountability.

“Despite these challenges, let me assure Nigerians that the ADC remains resolute. We are not intimidated. We are not discouraged. Under the leadership of Senator David Mark, our party has taken a firm and principled stand. Our congresses and conventions will proceed as scheduled. We have complied fully with all statutory requirements by duly notifying INEC, as stipulated by law.

“It is important to emphasise that the role of INEC is clearly defined. The commission is expected to observe party activities, not to interfere or dictate their course. We have fulfilled our obligations. Whether INEC chooses to attend or not is entirely its prerogative, but it does not invalidate our processes. There have been instances in this country where political party primaries were conducted without INEC’s presence, yet their outcomes were recognised. Therefore, there must be consistency, fairness, and adherence to the law.

“What we are witnessing today is more than an isolated administrative issue; it is part of a broader pattern that seeks to erode the strength of opposition parties. The plan of the APC-led government to suppress opposition by all means is becoming increasingly evident. However, let it be known that such a plan cannot be sustained. The Nigerian people are watching. The international community is observing. History itself will judge.

“Democracy is not sustained by power alone; it is sustained by legitimacy, and legitimacy comes from fairness, inclusiveness, and respect for divergent views. A government that fears opposition is a government that fears accountability. And a government that fears accountability ultimately loses the trust of the people.

“We must ask ourselves: what kind of Nigeria do we want to build? Do we want a nation where only one voice is heard, where dissent is punished, and where political competition is stifled? Or do we want a Nigeria where ideas flourish, where leaders are held accountable, and where the people have real choices?

“The answer is clear. Nigeria belongs to all of us, not to a single party or a selected group of individuals. The political space must remain open, inclusive, and competitive.

“Beyond the issue of opposition politics, we must also confront the pressing challenges facing our nation. Insecurity continues to threaten lives and livelihoods across the country. Economic hardship has deepened, leaving millions of Nigerians struggling to survive. Inflation, unemployment, and rising cost of living have combined to create widespread discontent.

“At a time like this, the focus of the government should be on addressing these urgent issues, not on weakening opposition parties. Nigerians need solutions, not distractions. They need leadership that listens, leadership that cares, and leadership that acts in the best interest of the people.

“Suppressing opposition will not solve insecurity. Silencing dissent will not create jobs. Undermining political competition will not reduce the cost of living. What Nigeria needs is inclusive governance, governance that brings everyone to the table, that welcomes constructive criticism, and that is open to better ideas.

“We must also emphasise the role of institutions in safeguarding our democracy. Institutions like INEC must remain neutral, independent, and committed to the rule of law. Their actions must inspire confidence, not suspicion. They must be seen as arbiters of fairness, not instruments of political convenience.

“To my fellow Nigerians, I say this: democracy is not a gift; it is a responsibility. It requires vigilance, participation, and courage. We must not allow anyone to take away our right to choose, to speak, and to hold our leaders accountable. We must insist on fairness. We must demand transparency. We must protect our democracy.

“To the Federal Government, I say this with all sense of responsibility: let the opposition breathe. Allow political parties to operate freely. Respect the principles of democracy. Uphold the rule of law. Create a level playing field for all.

“History has shown that strong democracies are built not by suppressing opposition, but by engaging it. Opposition parties are not enemies of the state; they are partners in the democratic process. They provide alternative ideas, check excesses, and ensure that governance remains accountable to the people.

“As we move forward, let us choose the path of democracy, not authoritarianism; the path of inclusion, not exclusion; the path of hope, not fear.

“Nigeria deserves better. Nigerians deserve better. And together, we can build a nation where democracy is not just practised, but protected,” he concluded.