A United Kingdom–based human rights lawyer and governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State for the 2027 election, Chief Niyi Aborisade, has cautioned President Bola Tinubu against actions capable of stifling opposition parties, warning that political domination could undermine Nigeria’s democracy.

Aborisade, who spoke with journalists in Ibadan, said Nigeria must not slide into a one-party state, stressing that democracy thrives only where opposition parties are allowed to operate freely and fairly.

According to him, history has shown that political suppression and the weakening of opposition structures often lead to instability and public discontent.

“Democracy thrives on competition, fairness and respect for the will of the people. Nigeria must not repeat the mistakes of the past. Political domination and suppression of opposition parties often lead to instability. The opposition must be allowed to breathe,” he said.

The human rights lawyer, who recently joined the ADC, said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was currently facing deep internal crises that could cost it future elections. He noted that the party was enmeshed in legal battles, including cases before the Court of Appeal challenging the legality of its November 15–16, 2025 national convention.

“Until the court delivers its verdict, the PDP remains uncertain about its leadership structure and direction. Beyond the legal crisis, the party has failed to resolve its internal divisions, particularly among governors and influential stakeholders. This has weakened its ability to present a united front,” Aborisade said.

He added that attempts by some PDP leaders to align with President Tinubu, who is a leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), further exposed the party’s lack of ideological clarity and internal cohesion.

“The G5 crisis, which played a major role in the party’s defeat in 2023, remains unresolved. Key actors openly worked against the party’s presidential candidate, and this betrayal contributed significantly to the loss of the election. Allegations of financial inducements and lack of accountability within the party leadership further damaged its credibility,” he said.

Aborisade described the PDP as being in a precarious position and struggling for survival, noting that many former members had concluded that it no longer represented a viable platform for democratic governance.

“That is why I joined the African Democratic Congress, a party I believe offers a genuine alternative and a credible platform for progressive Nigerians,” he said.

He stressed that grassroots mobilisation remains the most critical factor in electoral success, lamenting that voter turnout in recent elections had hovered around 25 per cent.

“Democracy can only thrive when citizens participate actively. We must continue to educate voters that their vote is their power and that selling their vote is equivalent to selling their future,” he said.

Aborisade also expressed concern over the rising cost of living, increased taxes and worsening economic hardship, saying these realities were pushing Nigerians to seek alternatives and reject any attempt to impose a one-party system.

“The ADC is growing stronger daily, attracting members from across the political spectrum. Our focus is on building strong grassroots structures and presenting credible candidates who can deliver real development. Nigeria deserves better,” he added.