Sack INEC Chairman, Amupitan Now, Let Opposition Breathe — Oyo ADC Governorship Aspirant, Aborishade Tells Tinubu
•By OYENIYI AWOJOODU
IBADAN — A governorship aspirant of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Oyo State, Barrister Niyi Aborisade, has called on the Federal Government led by Bola Tinubu to ensure a free and fair political environment for opposition parties, warning that Nigeria’s democracy is facing serious threats.
Aborisade made this appeal on Monday while addressing journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.
He also called for the removal of the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), alleging that recent actions of the commission have cast doubt on its neutrality.
The ADC chieftain expressed concern over what he described as a shrinking political space in the country, stressing that opposition remains a vital pillar of any democratic system.
“A democracy without opposition is not a democracy; it is a gradual descent into authoritarianism,” he said.
Aborisade alleged that there were deliberate efforts to weaken opposition parties nationwide, citing internal developments within the ADC, including the alleged delisting of some party leaders.
According to him, such actions point to possible external interference aimed at suppressing dissent and restricting political competition.
“This is not just about ADC; it is about the future of democracy in Nigeria,” he added.
He further claimed that under the current administration, opposition politics is increasingly being treated as a threat rather than a legitimate component of democratic governance.
He warned that this trend could undermine accountability and deprive citizens of credible political alternatives.
“When opposition voices are silenced, the people lose their power to choose, question, and demand accountability,” Aborisade stated.
Despite these concerns, he maintained that the ADC remains committed to lawful political engagement.
He noted that the party had duly notified INEC of its planned congresses and conventions, emphasizing that the commission’s role is limited to observation.
Aborisade argued that there should be consistency in the commission’s conduct, pointing out that some political parties have previously conducted primaries without INEC’s presence and still had their outcomes recognised.
He urged the Federal Government to prioritise addressing critical national issues such as insecurity, economic hardship, unemployment, and the rising cost of living, rather than focusing on opposition parties.
“Suppressing opposition will not solve insecurity. Silencing dissent will not create jobs. What Nigeria needs is inclusive governance,” he said.
The governorship hopeful also dismissed speculations of factionalisation within the ADC in Oyo State, insisting that the party remains united.
He affirmed that Alhaji Yinka Olona remains the recognised state chairman, as confirmed by the party’s national leadership.
Aborisade concluded by urging Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively participate in the democratic process to safeguard the nation’s future.
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