Prof. Mike Ozekhome (SAN), a distinguished constitutional lawyer, has articulated profound concerns regarding the erosion of political diversity and ideological coherence within Nigeria’s democratic landscape.
He cautioned that an unchecked proliferation of mass defections among political actors could precipitate the nation’s descent into authoritarianism and a de facto one-party state, wherein, as he posited, “dictatorship reigns supreme,” effectively subjugating the legislative and judicial branches.
During an appearance on Channels TV’s “Hard Copy” programme monitored by Persecondnews on Saturday, Ozekhome critically assessed the escalating frequency of politicians changing party affiliations, interpreting this as indicative of a pervasive absence of robust ideological convictions within the Nigerian political elite.
He colloquially observed, “It is like beans, akara, and moi-moi; they are the same.”
Drawing upon historical precedent, Ozekhome cited the People’s Democratic Party’s (PDP) prior overconfidence in projecting a six-decade tenure, only to be dislodged after 16 years.
He cautioned that analogous complacency could facilitate an authoritarian consolidation of power through the strategic alignment of allies across pivotal institutions.
Ozekhome further predicted that a disunited opposition would render the 2027 election a largely uncontested affair.
Moreover, he expressed apprehension concerning the burgeoning public apathy, characterizing the citizenry’s apparent resignation as a manifestation of “Stockholm Syndrome,” whereby individuals begin to identify with those in authority.
He urged Nigerians to “reclaim” their democratic prerogatives, emphasizing, “The power is yours; it is not theirs.”
Persecondnews has documented a substantial migration of political figures from the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) to the governing All Progressives Congress (APC), a phenomenon largely attributed to internal discord within the PDP.
These include, notably, Gov. Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State and Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, in addition to several members of both the Senate and House of Representatives.
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