Weak opposition threatens democracy – Makinde warns

Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo state has called on opposition parties in Nigeria to remain united, warning that a weakened opposition could have serious consequences for the country’s democracy.

Makinde made the remarks on Saturday at an opposition leaders’ summit held in Ibadan, which brought together key political stakeholders.

The summit, aimed at strengthening coordination among political parties, was attended by leaders from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), and other political groups.

Speaking at the event held at the Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, Makinde stressed that the gathering was not about division or confrontation, but responsible political engagement.

“If we allow opposition to weaken, whether by design or by neglect, then we all bear the consequences. So this is not a movement for fragmentation, it is not a movement for violence, and it is certainly not a movement to disengage politically,” he said.

He added that the aim was to promote thoughtful and responsible engagement across party lines in the interest of national stability.

“It is a movement to think clearly, to speak honestly, and to act with a sense of responsibility that goes beyond party lines,” Makinde added.

The governor noted that Nigeria’s current socio-economic and security challenges require collaboration and honest dialogue among political actors.

“Nigeria has gone too far to pretend that this does not matter, and the responsibility to ensure that it does not go further than it should belongs to all of us,” he said.

“Welcome to Ibadan, and I wish us a successful deliberation. Thank you, and God bless you.”

The summit, themed “that We May Work Together for a United Opposition to Sustain Our Democracy,” was described by organisers as a response to growing national concerns over governance, security, and economic pressures.