Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stressed that Nigeria’s democracy can only thrive where there is balance, credible opposition, and strong institutions, warning that any erosion of these pillars could weaken accountability and governance.
Speaking through his April 2026 newsletter, Makinde said recent political developments across the country have underscored the urgent need to protect democratic structures that ensure government remains responsive to the people.
The governor cautioned that weakening opposition voices or undermining key institutions such as the electoral body and the judiciary could create an environment where accountability is diminished, making it harder to address the everyday challenges faced by citizens.
According to him, democracy is not built on uniformity but on plurality, noting that the presence of diverse opinions and competing interests is what keeps governance open and effective.
Makinde warned that growing concerns about political imbalance, including the perceived marginalisation of opposition groups, should not be ignored, as such trends could discourage citizen participation and reduce confidence in the democratic process.
He added that when opposition becomes ineffective, the system loses an important mechanism for checks and balances, thereby affecting transparency and good governance.
While maintaining that Nigeria has not reached a point of no return, the governor said the country is at a critical stage where stakeholders must remain vigilant and committed to preserving democratic values.
Makinde urged both leaders and citizens to stay actively engaged, insisting that protecting democracy requires continuous participation, open dialogue, and insistence on institutional integrity.
He also disclosed plans to engage various stakeholders in discussions aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s democratic space in a manner that is inclusive, lawful, and sustainable.
