By Otunba Ademola Akinnola
Dear President Tinubu,
I write this open letter as a deeply concerned Nigerian citizen who values the survival of our democracy and the peace of our nation. Reports of alleged plots to deregister the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the National Democratic Congress (NDC) – two leading opposition parties currently battling deregistration cases in court – have left many of us troubled. I feel compelled to speak out before our country slides into a crisis we may not recover from.
Our History is Our Teacher
Mr. President, Nigeria’s history holds painful lessons we must never forget. The political upheavals of 1966 and 1983 should serve as constant reminders of how the suppression of democratic voices can tear a nation apart. Those dark chapters brought instability, bloodshed, and years of suffering. Any attempt to use the judiciary to eliminate opposition parties is not just unconstitutional—it is a dangerous step toward repeating that tragic history.
The Constitution is Clear
Only the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has the constitutional power to register or deregister political parties. Any move to weaponise the courts to remove opposition parties from the 2027 ballot is a direct assault on our democracy. It strips over 200 million Nigerians of their fundamental right to freely choose their leaders. Democracy without choice is not democracy at all – it is dictatorship in disguise.
Power is Transient
Sir, political office is temporary. The same system that elevates can also hold to account. The sycophants and praise singers urging you toward undemocratic paths are driven by selfish interests – they seek to preserve their influence and remain relevant in government. They will not be by your side when the consequences arrive. True leadership builds lasting institutions, not personal empires.
The Danger Ahead
Any attempt to deregister the ADC and NDC will spark a major political crisis. Nigerians may have no choice but to resist such moves vehemently. Our nation is already stretched thin by economic hardship and insecurity; we cannot afford a democratic collapse triggered by executive overreach. The 2027 election should not even be contemplated until all opposition parties are guaranteed their rightful place on the ballot.
A Call to Reason
Mr. President, I urge you to reject any pressure to undermine our democratic process. Allow the courts to handle the deregistration matters fairly and without political interference. Ensure that every party cleared by INEC can contest freely. Nigeria belongs to all of us—not to one man, one party, or one circle of loyalists.
In conclusion, I join millions of Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community in calling for vigilance. Our democracy was hard-won and must not be sacrificed for short-term political gain. Choose the path of peace. Choose the rule of law. Choose Nigeria.
