By Abiola Olawale
Renowned constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Mike Ozekhome, SAN, has raised the alarm over “Nigeria’s potential descent into dictatorship” if urgent steps are not taken.
Speaking with the press on Saturday, Ozekhome cautioned that unchecked governance practices could erode democratic institutions and threaten citizens’ freedoms.
He highlighted several red flags, including what he described as a one-party state, increasing executive overreach, suppression of dissent, and weakening of judicial independence.
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.’”
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria drew historical parallels, citing the example of the PDP’s 16-year rule when they famously boasted of governing for 60 years, only to implode.
Ozekhome also emphasized that democracy thrives on accountability, transparency, and respect for fundamental rights. Without these, he warned, Nigeria risks mirroring authoritarian regimes that stifle opposition and centralize power.
