When Mike Ozekhome, a senior constitutional lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), warned that Nigeria is edging toward an authoritarian regime, the nation’s democratic nerves tingled.

Ozekhome made the stark declaration on during an interview on Channels Television’s flagship show Hard Copy. He said the country could morph into a de‑facto one‑party state if the current political currents continue unchecked.

Why the Warning Matters Now

The warning arrives at a fraught moment. President Bola Tinubu has spent the past two years consolidating loyalists in key ministries, the National Assembly, and the judiciary. Critics argue that this centralization reduces the space for opposition parties, setting the stage for a 2027 presidential election that might look more like a single‑candidate race than a contest.

“If the opposition stays fragmented, the 2027 poll could become a solo show,” Ozekhome warned, drawing a line from today’s party‑switching frenzy to a future without genuine competition.

Historical Echoes: The PDP’s Overconfidence

Ozekhome reminded viewers of the former ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP), which once boasted a 60‑year reign before being ousted after just 16 years. The PDP’s hubris, he said, mirrors the current administration’s complacency.

Back then, the PDP’s leadership claimed "a 60‑year destiny," only to lose power in 2015. "History repeats itself for those who ignore the warning signs," Ozekhome said, hinting that another long‑term domination could unfold if checks and balances erode further.

The Ideological Blur: Beans, Akara, and Moi‑Moi

One of Ozekhome’s most vivid analogies compared Nigeria’s political parties to "beans, akara, and moi‑moi" – essentially the same dish dressed differently. He argued that the lack of clear ideological distinction fuels rampant defections, where politicians hop between parties like commuters switching trains.

Data from the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) shows that between 2019 and 2023, over 1,500 elected officials switched parties, a 35 % rise from the previous election cycle. This fluidity, Ozekhome contended, signals a weak party system more concerned with personal gain than policy.

Public Apathy: A Dangerous Stockholm Syndrome

Public Apathy: A Dangerous Stockholm Syndrome

Equally worrying is the public’s growing resignation. Ozekhome likened the sentiment to a national "Stockholm Syndrome," where citizens begin to accept the very forces that limit their freedoms.

Recent Pew Research surveys indicate that only 28 % of Nigerians trust the national government, down from 41 % in 2018. When asked about political participation, 62 % said they felt “disillusioned” or “powerless.” That disengagement, he warned, lets authoritarian drift go unchallenged.

Reactions from the Political Arena

Opposition leader Peter Obi (PDP) dismissed the lawyer’s comments as “political theatrics,” insisting his coalition remains robust. Meanwhile, civil society groups such as Enough is Enough issued an open letter urging citizens to mobilize before the 2027 elections, echoing Ozekhome’s call to “reclaim democratic power.”

International observers, including the African Union’s Election Observation Mission, have flagged concerns over media freedom and the increasing use of executive orders to bypass parliamentary approval. Their 2024 report noted a 22 % rise in executive decrees compared to the previous year.

Potential Consequences of a One‑Party State

Should Nigeria slide into a single‑party system, the impact could ripple across the economy, human rights, and regional stability. A study by the World Bank projects that political concentration can shave up to 0.5 % off annual GDP growth due to reduced investor confidence.

Moreover, a muted opposition often leads to weaker checks on corruption. Transparency International’s 2024 index shows Nigeria’s score slipping from 30 to 25, reflecting growing perceptions of graft.

What Comes Next?

What Comes Next?

Ozekhome concluded his interview with a rallying cry: "The power is yours; it is not theirs." He urged Nigerians to engage in civic education, monitor legislative activities, and support independent media.

Analysts suggest that the next few months will be critical. The upcoming INEC Chairperson election in September 2025, for example, could set the tone for electoral integrity ahead of the 2027 vote.

Key Facts

  • Speaker: Professor Mike Ozekhome (Senior Advocate of Nigeria)
  • Date of warning: June 7, 2025
  • Platform: Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme
  • Key concern: Drift toward a one‑party authoritarian state
  • Potential tipping point: 2027 presidential election

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Ozekhome define a one‑party state?

He says a one‑party state is where the legislature, judiciary and executive all bow to a single political force, eliminating dissent and turning every law‑making body into a rubber stamp.

What evidence points to growing authoritarianism in Nigeria?

Recent INEC data shows a 35 % surge in party‑switching, executive orders have risen by 22 % last year, and public trust in government has fallen to 28 % according to Pew Research.

Who are the main political figures involved in this debate?

Professor Mike Ozekhome, President Bola Tinubu, and opposition leader Peter Obi are the central voices, each representing different sides of the democratic‑vs‑authoritarian spectrum.

What can ordinary Nigerians do to counter the slide toward authoritarianism?

Civic engagement is key: joining local watchdog groups, supporting independent media, monitoring parliamentary votes, and voting in upcoming local elections to build a robust opposition.

What are the international implications if Nigeria becomes a one‑party state?

Regional stability could wobble, foreign investment may shrink, and Nigeria’s role in ECOWAS could be questioned, potentially prompting diplomatic pressure from the African Union and the United Nations.