Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Mike Ozekhome, has warned that Nigeria is unknowingly veering towards a one-party state — a development he believes could lead to dictatorship if left unchallenged.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Friday, Ozekhome condemned the frequent political defections, describing them as “bootlicking at its highest level” and evidence of politicians’ lack of ideological commitment.
Ozekhome, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), likened the constant party-switching to “beans, akara, and moi-moi,” arguing that it reflects the disappearance of any meaningful political differences.
He said, “We are gradually moving, unknowingly, towards a one-party state, and it is a dangerous trajectory if we do not act. In such a state, dictatorship takes hold. The National Assembly becomes subservient, the judiciary compromised, and everyone simply says ‘yes, yes, yes’. That leads to dictatorship and unchecked corruption.”
Referencing history, Ozekhome pointed to the People’s Democratic Party’s 16-year rule, which eventually collapsed despite its confidence in ruling for 60 years.
He further cautioned that President Bola Tinubu’s tightening grip on critical sectors of government could leave him running virtually unopposed in the 2027 election, should the opposition remain fragmented.
Highlighting growing public apathy, Ozekhome urged Nigerians not to surrender their democratic agency. “The power lies with you; it is not theirs,” he stressed.