Recent developments in Nigeria’s political landscape are as bewildering as they are alarming for the future of our democracy.
It is difficult to understand how a government led by a man who once positioned himself as a pro-democracy advocate has now become a major force undermining democratic institutions. How else can Nigerians interpret the controversial amendment on double registration of party membership hurriedly passed by the Nigerian House of Representatives?
According to reports made public, the proposal appeared on the Order Paper of the House, where such legislative items are normally introduced for debate before being referred to the appropriate committee for detailed scrutiny. Under normal parliamentary procedure, the bill would undergo multiple readings, committee review, stakeholder consultation and further deliberations before any final vote.
Yet, in a stunning departure from established legislative practice, the measure was reportedly passed with fewer than 30 lawmakers present, raising serious questions about transparency, due process and respect for democratic procedure within the National Assembly.
This troubling development raises a fundamental question: what exactly is happening within the Tinubu administration and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC)?
Why would a president sworn to uphold the constitution and safeguard democratic norms preside over actions that appear to weaken those very institutions? Political opportunism has long been a feature of Nigerian politics, but the scale and brazenness of recent manoeuvres are deeply concerning.
For many observers, the situation evokes uncomfortable memories of Nigeria’s authoritarian past under military rulers such as Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sani Abacha, when political institutions were routinely manipulated to serve narrow interests rather than democratic principles.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who once built his political reputation on the legacy of the June 12 struggle and opposition to military rule, now faces growing criticism from those who believe his leadership style increasingly reflects authoritarian tendencies rather than democratic commitment.
The controversial double membership provision, will seriously weaken Nigeria’s political system. Allowing politicians to maintain simultaneous allegiance to multiple parties risks undermining party discipline, voter accountability and ideological clarity within the country’s multiparty democracy.
If left unchecked, such measures could generate legal confusion, endless constitutional disputes and heightened political instability, as courts are forced to interpret conflicting loyalties among elected officials.
Many fear that these actions could ultimately roll back the progress Nigeria has made since the return to civilian rule in 1999, eroding two decades of fragile democratic development.
This controversy also comes amid heightened political tensions involving Federal Capital Territory Minister Nyesom Wike, whose role in the ongoing crisis within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has generated intense debate.
Wike’s political manoeuvres have contributed to deepening divisions within the opposition, a development certainly geared towards benefiting Tinubu ahead of the 2027 general elections. I have said it before and I say it again, Wike is Tinubu’s ‘Malam Mugu’, the man who does all the dirty work.
Despite recent attempts at reconciliation within the PDP, we remain unconvinced about the sincerity of ongoing peace efforts. It is common knowledge, even to the kindergarten child, that the attempt at internal fragmentation of the PDP is to weaken the party’s ability to present a strong electoral challenge, present what looks like a party but is actually an empty shell with Tinubu as Chairman.
For Nigeria’s democracy to remain healthy, political actors across party lines must respect constitutional norms, strengthen democratic institutions and place national interest above partisan advantage, a trait, Tinubu seems to forbid.
At a time when the country faces severe economic hardship, insecurity and growing public frustration, Nigeria’s political leadership has a responsibility to protect democratic stability rather than undermine it.
The preservation of democracy requires strong institutions, transparent laws and leaders willing to respect the rules that govern them. Anything less risks pushing the country into deeper political uncertainty at a time when stability is urgently needed.
It is high time the opposition came together to have a meeting with President Donald Trump of America, who seems to be firm with the maintenance of democracy and its institution to caution Bola Ahmed Tinubu – the so called and self styled, Emperor of Bourdillon!
- Dare Adeleke writes from Ibadan.
