Nigeria Drifting Towards One-Party State Dictatorship Where Everyone Says 'Yes, Yes' – Lawyer Mike Ozekhome Warns

Prof Mike Ozekhome, Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, has warned that Nigeria is drifting towards a one-party state, which could lead to full-blown dictatorship if not checked.

Ozekhome expressed concerns over the current political landscape, criticising the increasing trend of political decampments and cross-carpeting by elected officials.

Speaking on the Channels TV’s “Hard Copy” programme on Saturday, Ozekhome stated that politicians appear to prioritise personal gain over party principles, likening them to commodities that are easily interchangeable.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), emphasised that a one-party state would lead to unchecked power, with the National Assembly and judiciary being controlled, resulting in a lack of opposition.

He said, “In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme.

“Everybody will agree. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary will be pocketed, and everybody will be saying ‘yes, yes, yes.'”

Ozekhome drew historical parallels, citing the example of the PDP's 16-year rule, which ultimately imploded. 

He suggested that President Bola Tinubu's strategic placements in critical sectors could lead to a scenario where Tinubu virtually runs against himself in the 2027 elections if the opposition remains fractured.

Ozekhome also expressed dismay at the public's apparent docility, likening it to a Stockholm Syndrome, where citizens are pushed to the wall by hardship retreat rather than challenge their aggressors. 

He urged Nigerians to be resilient and hold their governments accountable, reminding them that the power lies with the people, not the government.  

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