Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, yesterday, expressed concern over the future of democracy, warning that Nigeria is devolving into a one-party state.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governor, in a newsletter entitled ‘The business of governance’, noted that those opposed to Nigeria devolving into a one-party state were being threatened, while the opposition was being pushed to the brink.

Also, a chieftain of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Dele Momodu, warned against attempts to turn Nigeria into a one-party state, cautioning that such a move would undermine democracy and ultimately fail.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said it is inaccurate to hold President Bola Tinubu responsible for the crisis within ADC.

According to Makinde, Nigeria has reached a point of silence, indifference or withdrawal, adding that it could take “us in a direction we may later struggle to reverse.”

The governor said, “I hope you are well despite the challenges in our dear country. Developments within the PDP and ADC, along with recent positions taken by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary, are raising important questions. These are not just political issues; they concern anyone who believes in the future of democracy in our country.

“I am also aware that many of you are watching closely as we approach a transition period in Oyo, and that you have questions about continuity, leadership and the future direction of our State. We have engaged with some credible individuals as part of a deliberate transition process. I will communicate a decision in due course, one that reflects both the progress we have made and the future we must secure.”

SIMILARLY, speaking on Arise Television’s ‘Morning Show’ yesterday, Momodu alleged that the ruling APC had miscalculated by assuming that key opposition figures would not unite ahead of future elections.

According to him, the APC believed that former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi and Rabiu Kwankwaso would never work together, a position he described as a major political misjudgement.

“The truth is, they first allowed the ADC to remain untouched, hoping that Obi, Atiku and Kwankwaso would never come together. It was a miscalculation,” he said.

Momodu further accused the ruling party of attempting to weaken opposition parties by creating internal crises, pointing to what he described as the swift recognition of factions within the PDP as evidence.

He also raised concerns about the growing role of the judiciary in electoral matters, alleging that some government officials were trying to exert influence over the courts as part of a broader political strategy.

OYINTILOYE, who described the tag as “disturbing”, said this while speaking with newsmen yesterday in Osogbo, Osun.

“The President is a true democrat and does not need to destabilise any party to secure re-election in 2027. The embattled ADC leadership should be courageous enough to tell Nigerians the truth rather than hold Tinubu responsible for the party’s challenges.

“Tinubu is the President, not a court of law that directed the ADC to maintain the status quo pending the determination of a case at the Federal High Court, instituted by one of its members,” he said.