Ogun State governorship candidate for the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP) in the March 2023 election, Olufemi Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, has issued a stern warning to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, urging him not to meddle with the judiciary’s functions. Emphasising the need for an unbiased judiciary in a democratic governance, Ajadi cautioned against stifling its independence.
In a statement made during a press conference in Kano after expressing solidarity with Governor Abba Yusuf, who recently faced a nullification of his election by the Court of Appeal, Ajadi stressed the vitality of opposition in a democratic system. He expressed concern that the desperation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the president to control all states could compromise the integrity of the judiciary.
Ajadi, reflecting on the situation, remarked, “Democracy tolerates opposition, and without credible opposition, democracy cannot thrive.”
He drew parallels between Lagos, where opposition parties struggle, and the national landscape, warning against transforming the entire country into a one-party state.
The NNPP chieftain echoed the sentiments of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who had previously cautioned against the ruling APC and Tinubu’s alleged plans to create a one-party system. Atiku had advocated for a merger of opposition parties as a countermeasure.
Speaking on the recent judgment against Governor Yusuf, Ajadi called for calm, assuring that the ruling would not withstand the test of time. He rallied support for NNPP and encouraged followers nationwide to remain composed, asserting the party’s dominance in Kano through various elections.
Ajadi concluded with a plea to other statesmen to join in cautioning President Tinubu against transforming the country into a Lagos-like scenario, emphasising the need for a diverse and competitive political landscape for the benefit of democracy.
