Ex-Ekiti Governor, Odeyemi, warns Nigerians to resist attempts to create a one-party state
Former Governor of Ekiti State, Rt Hon Tunji Odeyemi, has called on Nigerians to stand firm against any efforts to turn the country into a one-party state.
Odeyemi, a senior member of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of actively working to weaken the opposition. Speaking to journalists during his 66th birthday celebration, he expressed grave concern over what he described as a dangerous, anti-democratic agenda that could threaten Nigeria’s democracy.
“The APC-led government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, seems to be deliberately pushing Nigeria toward a one-party state,” Odeyemi said. “This is a very dangerous trend that would not be good for our democracy. A country cannot thrive without a strong and vibrant opposition.”
While acknowledging that the opposition had not always lived up to its responsibility of holding the ruling party accountable, Odeyemi emphasized that a strong, active opposition was crucial for the country’s progress. He urged opposition parties to step up and challenge the government to ensure Nigeria’s democratic system remains robust and effective.
“Nigerians need a constructive opposition that can keep the ruling party in check, reshape our democracy, and put it back on the right track,” Odeyemi stated. “Without this, it would be very difficult for the country to experience good governance, infrastructure development, or improvements in human capital.”
Odeyemi, who briefly served as acting governor of Ekiti State, also called on the opposition to unite and strengthen itself as an alternative voice to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
Despite the challenges, the former governor reassured that the PDP is actively retooling itself to counter what he referred to as the APC’s “evil agenda” and ensure a strong democratic system in the country.
