Reported by: Althiea .P | Edited by: Bornet .k
Political analyst and public affairs commentator Dr. Olarinre Salako has accused President Bola Ahmed Tinubu of pursuing a political strategy that could weaken Nigeria’s opposition parties and create an environment where the ruling party faces limited competition.
Salako made the allegation during an interview on 90MinutesAfrica hosted by Rudolf Okonkwo, where he examined the state of Nigeria’s democracy, opposition politics and the relationship between power and accountability under the current administration.
The analyst argued that President Tinubu’s current political approach appears different from his history as a pro-democracy activist and opposition leader before assuming office.
According to Salako, Tinubu’s background in the struggle against military rule and his years as an opposition figure should have positioned him as a strong defender of political competition. However, he claimed that some of the President’s actions since taking office suggest a preference for operating in an environment where opposition forces remain divided and weakened.
Salako referred to President Tinubu’s June 12, 2025 Democracy Day address to the National Assembly, where the President rejected claims that his administration was working towards creating a one-party state.
During the address, Tinubu reportedly highlighted his role in Nigeria’s democratic struggle and defended his commitment to multiparty democracy. However, Salako argued that the President’s expression of satisfaction over the difficulties facing opposition parties created what he described as a contradiction.
The political commentator said the situation suggested that the administration could benefit politically from a fragmented opposition rather than from a stronger democratic contest involving organised rival parties.
Using a metaphor, Salako compared the situation to wanting “an Iyaloja without a market,” suggesting that political power cannot exist in a healthy democracy without meaningful competition and engagement.
He also stated that opposition parties must accept responsibility for their current challenges, arguing that their inability to unite and develop a coordinated strategy has strengthened the position of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
“The opposition will be foolish to think they can defeat President Tinubu without working together,” Salako said, describing Tinubu as a “very pragmatic politician” who understands political calculations.
The analyst maintained that the opposition’s divisions have allowed the APC-led government to maintain political advantage, adding that a more coordinated opposition would be necessary for effective democratic competition.
Beyond party politics, Salako raised concerns about press freedom and alleged attempts by government authorities to use the Cybercrime Act as a tool against journalists and critics.
He argued that President Tinubu benefited from independent media coverage during his years as an opposition politician and warned that restrictions on press freedom could eventually affect those in power.
According to him, governments are temporary while media institutions often survive political administrations, making the protection of press freedom important for democratic stability.
Salako also criticised the reported allocation of housing facilities to judges in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), questioning whether such arrangements could create ethical concerns regarding judicial independence.
He linked the issue to the leadership of the FCT administration under Nyesom Wike, who serves as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory and a member of President Tinubu’s cabinet.
The analyst questioned why there had not been broader institutional welfare reforms for judicial officers through the appropriate government channels, rather than arrangements that could raise questions about perception and independence.
He compared the situation with welfare programmes in other sectors, including reported schemes designed to support public servants through structured institutional policies.
Salako further criticised Nigeria’s democratic system, arguing that it does not fully reflect the principles associated with Abraham Lincoln’s description of democracy as “government of the people, by the people, for the people.”
He cited concerns including allegations of vote-buying, electoral manipulation and judicial involvement in election disputes as factors affecting public confidence in democratic institutions.
The analyst’s comments come amid continuing debates about the strength of Nigeria’s opposition parties ahead of future elections and concerns among political observers about the balance between government authority and democratic accountability.
The ruling APC has maintained that its administration remains committed to democratic principles, economic reforms and national development, while opposition figures have continued to challenge government policies and political strategies.
President Tinubu has repeatedly denied plans to establish a one-party system in Nigeria, insisting that the country’s constitutional framework protects multiparty democracy.
The debate over the state of Nigeria’s democracy continues as political parties, civil society groups and analysts assess the country’s democratic progress, institutional independence and preparations for future elections.
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