Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Olabode George, has raised concerns over the state of Nigeria's democracy, warning that any erosion of the rule of law and suppression of opposition voices could undermine the nation's constitutional order.
Reflection on Democracy
In a statement titled: "Whither Nigeria? A Reflection for Our Democracy," George called for a return to foundational democratic principles, stressing that no authority, regardless of position, is above the law. Drawing historical reference from the 1215 Magna Carta, he noted that the enduring principle that "no authority is above the law" remains central to the survival of modern democratic systems.
According to him, the strength of any democracy lies in adherence to the rule of law, protection of opposition rights, and the independence of institutions. "A functioning democracy depends on the rule of law, the freedom of opposition, and the independence of institutions. Where these are weakened, democracy itself is placed at risk," he said.
Opposition Rights
George emphasised that the right of opposition parties to organise, express dissent and contest power is not a concession by those in authority but a constitutional imperative necessary for democratic legitimacy. He cautioned that attempts to suppress dissent or weaken opposition structures could erode the very foundation upon which governance derives its credibility.
The PDP chieftain further stressed that the core lesson of democratic history is the subordination of power to law and accountability. "Power must be restrained by law, authority must be accountable, and leadership must operate within constitutional limits," he said, adding that no modern president can legitimately act outside the bounds of the law.
Political Plurality
George also underscored the importance of political plurality, noting that democracy thrives not on uniformity but on structured disagreement. "Opposition is not an enemy of the state; it is a pillar of democratic stability. When opposition is silenced, accountability diminishes, governance weakens, and public trust erodes," he stated.
He described the current moment as one that demands adherence to principle rather than expediency, urging political actors to prioritise institutional strength over individual power. "This is not merely a political issue but a matter of principle. Nations endure because of the strength of their institutions and the integrity of their laws, not the dominance of individuals," he said.
Call to Action
George called on leaders across all levels to uphold fairness, justice and constitutionalism, insisting that Nigeria's democratic future depends on respect for the rule of law and inclusive political participation. "The message of history is clear: to preserve democracy, we must uphold law over power, fairness over force, and principle over expediency," he added.
