Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Saturday warned against the weakening of opposition political parties in Nigeria, saying such could have severe consequences for the country’s democracy.
Makinde spoke in Ibadan at an opposition leaders’ summit.
The summit, taking place at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, attracted leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political groups.
Former President Olusegun Obasanjo is billed to chair the event.
The summit, themed “That We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” was described by organisers as a response to growing national concerns over governance, security, and economic pressures.
Addressing the gathering, Makinde said, “If we allow opposition to weaken, whether by design or by neglect, then we all bear the consequences. So this is not a movement for fragmentation, it is not a movement for violence, and it is certainly not a movement to disengage politically.”
He added that the goal was to promote thoughtful and responsible engagement across party lines in the interest of national stability.
“It is a movement to think clearly, to speak honestly, and to act with a sense of responsibility that goes beyond party lines.”
Makinde noted that Nigeria’s current socio-economic and security challenges require collaboration and honest dialogue among political actors.
In his remarks, former Senate President and National Chairman of the ADC, David Mark, said Nigerians have lost confidence in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
Mark alleged that INEC has taken sides and is no longer an impartial umpire.
He said, “The task before us is more of a national rescue mission. The APC is willing to suppress opposition political parties and opposition figures.
“It has never happened in Nigeria that we have only one political party, and it will never happen in our generation. We cannot win as fragmented segments.
“The contest is between Nigerians and the APC, the ruling party. Nigerians have lost confidence in INEC. INEC is no longer an impartial umpire.”
Prominent leaders of opposition political parties at the meeting include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, former Minister of Information, Professor Jerry Gana, Aisha Yesufu, and Professor Pat Utomi.
Others include former Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola; Olagunsoye Oyinlola; former Governor of Sokoto State, Aminu Tambuwal; former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Kwankwaso; and Yunusa Tanko.
Also present were former Governor of Kwara State, Abdulfatah Ahmed; former Governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi; and former Governor of Niger State, Babangida Aliyu.
