Prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights defender, Mike Ozekhome, has expressed deep concern over Nigeria’s political trajectory.
Appearing on Channels Television’s ‘Hard Copy’ yesterday, he warned that the country may be heading, perhaps unknowingly, towards a de facto one-party system.
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Ozekhome criticised the increasing trend of political defections, describing it as the height of sycophancy and a clear sign that Nigerian politicians lack firm ideological principles.
He drew a satirical comparison between the country’s political parties and popular local dishes, saying they are indistinguishable from one another—like “beans, akara, and moi-moi”, underscoring the diminishing differences between party platforms.
“We are inching towards a one-party arrangement without even realising it. It’s a perilous development,” Ozekhome stated.
“When only one party holds sway, democracy suffers. The legislature becomes subservient, the judiciary loses its independence, and everyone echoes the same tune. That’s how dictatorship thrives—unchecked and corrupt.”
Reflecting on past events, he pointed to the fall of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) after 16 years in power, despite earlier claims that it would govern for six decades.
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Ozekhome also voiced concern about President Bola Tinubu’s increasing grip on various arms of government, warning that without a strong and united opposition, the President might face no real challenge in the 2027 general election.
Calling on Nigerians not to surrender to apathy, he reminded citizens that democratic power lies with the people, urging them to remain vigilant and engaged in the political process.
