The National Coordinator of the Obidient Movement, Yunusa Tanko, has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing an existential threat, alleging that the administration of President Bola Tinubu is deliberately deploying state power and institutions to intimidate opposition figures and force political realignments.
Speaking in an interview with ARISE News on Tuesday, Tanko said recent political developments amount to a “multi-threat” against Nigeria’s multi-party democratic system and could push the country towards authoritarian rule if left unchecked.
“Let me just start by saying that, for the record, the eminent Nigerians who signed that document are well aware of the history of this country. And if they come out to say that it is a threat to democracy, in fact, it is a multi-threat to the multi-democratic system in Nigeria,” he said.
Tanko acknowledged that past administrations had also dominated large numbers of states but argued that the current situation is fundamentally different.
“We are aware, and honourably so, that almost all the political parties in Nigeria have been infiltrated. We have been talking about this for a continuous period of time,” he said.
“Now, if you are making references to a certain period in our country when the PDP controlled a large number of states, yes, probably it happened. But when you look at the processes then, they are different from what we have at the moment.”
He warned that repeating the mistakes of the past would only weaken the system.
“Even if at that time it was wrong, it does not mean that because you are in power now, you repeat the same mistake that other people have already done. That does not grow the system.”
According to him, Nigeria is being steered onto a dangerous political path.
“This will create a situation where democracy in Nigeria is being put on a dangerous path — a path where we may not even have democracy if we continue like this. And that is the fear.”
Tanko said the manner in which political power is currently exercised has made democracy appear “ugly and unacceptable” to many Nigerians.
“Democracy is the best form of government that we all know, but the process we are being subjected to now is making it look very ugly and totally unacceptable to Nigerians,” he said.
He urged caution in how power is wielded.
“We must tread softly and tread carefully in the way Nigeria is being converted into a one-party state.”
Tanko said opposition leaders are justified in raising international alarm over the situation.
“These gentlemen are saying that the government is deliberately killing democracy, and they are calling on the international community to come in quickly and deal with the issue,” he stated.
“Nigeria is the most populous Black nation in the world, and if anything happens to democracy here, the consequences will be enormous.”
Tanko alleged that anti-corruption agencies are being selectively deployed to intimidate opposition figures while allies of the ruling party are spared scrutiny.
“How do you explain that those who are already in government are being treated with deodorant, while those in the opposition are being pursued vigorously with insecticide?” he asked.
He said democracy cannot survive without fairness and due process.
“If you are sincere, democracy is about the people, fairness and equity for all. You don’t need to engage in a kangaroo judicial process and then make somebody look guilty.”
Citing recent political events, Tanko alleged that intimidation has become routine.
“Take a look at what happened in Rivers State. It was very, very clear — it was intimidation.”
“We have people in authority, including political party leaders, who are refusing to join, and they are being intimidated.”
He also criticised what he described as excessive use of security by politically connected individuals.
“We all saw it. We heard how the son of the President goes about with all kinds of security, as if there are no rules and regulations in this country. These are glaring intimidations.”
Tanko warned that such practices mirror authoritarian governance and called on Nigerians to resist them.
“These things make it look like we are not even in a democracy anymore but under authoritarian rule. And we must checkmate this.”
“Every Nigerian must come on board to fight this. This country is not the enterprise of one single person. It belongs to all of us.”
While affirming the right of politicians to change parties, he insisted such decisions must be voluntary.
“We are not saying people do not have the right to join any political party they want. They have that right,” he said.
“But it must be done without intimidation, coercion or manipulation.”
Addressing the wave of defections to the ruling party, Tanko said political persuasion should be based on ideas, not pressure.
“On moral grounds, sell the ideology of your party,” he said.
“Do not use state resources and state institutions like the ICPC, EFCC and others to coerce people.”
He criticised the use of public funds and state power as bargaining tools.
“If I come to you based on my good deeds and what I have done for the people, that is different,” he said.
“But we all know that there is hunger in the land.”
Tanko concluded by questioning the sincerity of governance priorities.
“You are running a country where even budget appropriations are not fully funded, yet money is being deployed continuously,” he said.
“Using state resources to say, ‘Come over and I will give you this,’ instead of doing it for the people — that is the problem.”
Boluwatife Enome
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