Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has expressed deep concern over the shrinking democratic space and the fragmentation of opposition voices, warning that Nigeria is heading into a one-party state.
He issued the warning in his April 2026 newsletter, titled “The Business of Governance,” in which he noted that the two major opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the African Democratic Congress (ADC), are facing significant internal developments that threaten their viability.
Makinde has reportedly refused to support President Bola Tinubu for the 2027 election, framing his stance as a defense of multi-party democracy and party integrity.
Makinde highlighted recent positions taken by the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as factors raising “important questions” about the future of Nigerian democracy.
He claimed that individuals who speak up against this trajectory are being openly threatened, and the opposition is being systematically pushed to the margins.
The governor warned that many citizens are beginning to “withdraw quietly” because they feel their voices no longer matter, a trend that could lead to a direction that is difficult to reverse.
He emphasized that democracy thrives on plurality and diverse voices, and that ineffective opposition leads to weakened government accountability.
Despite the alarm, he stated he does not believe Nigeria has reached a “point of no return” but urged both leaders and citizens to stay engaged to protect the democratic space.
