Elder statesman and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chieftain, Chief Bode George, has called for respect for the rule of law and constitutional limits on leadership, insisting that opposition parties are not enemies of the state.

“The right of opposition voices to organise, to speak, and to contest power is not a privilege granted by those in authority, it is a constitutional necessity. To suppress dissent or undermine opposition structures is to erode the very framework that legitimises governance,” George said in a statement on Wednesday.

He said democracy is sustained by strong institutions, constitutional governance and the protection of opposition voices, noting that structured disagreement is essential to political stability and accountability.

According to him, opposition parties play a critical role in checking those in power and providing alternative ideas for national development.

George warned that any attempt to silence dissent or weaken opposition structures would undermine public trust and erode the legitimacy of democratic governance.

He further stated that no leader, regardless of position or influence, should be placed above the law or allowed to operate outside constitutional boundaries.

He stressed that power must always be restrained by law, authority must remain accountable and leadership must operate within constitutional boundaries.

According to him, democracy thrives not through uniform agreement but through structured disagreement, where opposition serves as a pillar of political stability rather than an enemy of the state.

Drawing reference from the Magna Carta of 1215, George said the enduring lesson of history is that power must be restrained by law and authority must remain accountable to the people.

He noted that even historical rulers who once exercised absolute authority were compelled to accept limits to their power, adding that modern leaders must operate strictly within constitutional provisions.

The elder statesman said nations succeed not because of individuals, but because of strong institutions and the integrity of laws that guide governance.

He urged political actors to prioritise fairness, respect opposing views and uphold constitutional order, warning that abuse of power poses a threat to democratic stability.

He said: “In moments such as this, when the health of a nation’s democracy is under scrutiny, it becomes necessary to return to the foundational principles that govern civilised societies.

“One of the most enduring of such principles is embodied in the Magna Carta—the Great Charter of the year 1215—which established a truth that has shaped democratic systems across centuries: No authority is above the law. This principle is not merely historical; it is the bedrock upon which modern democratic governance rests.”