Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has warned President Bola Tinubu that Nigeria’s stability, unity and democratic future are under visible strain, urging him to urgently review the direction of governance and protect democratic institutions.

In an open letter on Friday, addressed to the President, George said the country was drifting dangerously and cautioned against what he described as the increasing suppression of opposition voices, political dominance without restraint and the erosion of democratic balance.

He said democracy could not thrive where opposition parties were weakened, ridiculed or systematically neutralised.

“A country governed without credible dissent is not stable; it is volatile,” he said, adding that political control should not be mistaken for strength.

The elder statesman warned that economic hardship, rising costs of living and widespread uncertainty had heightened public anxiety, making any perception of political suppression potentially dangerous.

According to him, a nation already under economic pressure cannot afford political provocation, noting that instability often begins gradually through decisions considered strategic in the short term but destructive in the long run.

George urged Tinubu to choose a path that would strengthen democratic institutions, restore national confidence and prevent deeper national division.

He also cautioned the President against relying on advisers who dismiss legitimate concerns or encourage aggressive political consolidation.

“Leadership demands the courage to hear the truth, not just loyalty,” he stated.

The PDP chieftain said history would ultimately judge every leader by how power was exercised, stressing that no tenure lasts forever.

He expressed concern that Nigeria, once widely regarded as the Giant of Africa, now risked losing relevance while other nations advanced in governance, electoral credibility and institutional discipline.

George also referenced pending judicial matters, particularly at the Supreme Court, saying actions of political leaders must reinforce confidence in state institutions rather than weaken them.

He further stressed that the integrity of the electoral process must remain sacred, warning against any form of manipulation by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

George said: “The will of the Nigerian people must be respected and allowed to prevail freely, transparently and without interference,” he said. He called on Tinubu to distance himself from sycophants, listen to voices of reason and act with courage, restraint and justice to preserve Nigeria’s unity and democracy.

“A nation under economic strain cannot afford political provocation. This is how instability begins not suddenly, but gradually through decisions that appear strategic in the moment but prove destructive in consequence.

“Mr. President, you stand at a decisive crossroad. You can choose to correct course, strengthen democratic institutions, and restore national confidence. Or you can allow the current trajectory to continue, one that risks deepening division and inviting consequences that no administration can fully control.

“There is also a matter of counsel. Those who tell you that all is well, those who dismiss legitimate concerns, who encourage aggressive political consolidation, and who interpret caution as weakness are not safeguarding your leadership; they are endangering it.”