Makinde urges FG to respect opposition parties

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, who is also a candidate for the 2027 presidential election under the Allied Peoples Movement, has called on the Federal Government to avoid undermining democratic institutions. He warned against using these institutions to silence opposition parties as the 2027 general elections approach.

Makinde made this statement after the Federal High Court's decision that cancelled the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This leadership was held by former Senate President David Mark, and it also affected the process that made former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar the party's presidential candidate.

He shared his views during an interview with Bauchi Radio Broadcasting. A video of the interview was posted by the station on Friday.

The governor pointed out that the court ruling has thrown the ADC's leadership and their plans for the 2027 elections into chaos. This decision has also put Atiku’s presidential ambitions in jeopardy.

He said, "What I want to say is that we all witness the court judgments that basically nullify the leadership of a major opposition party, ADC, and also by that action the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar also came under threat."

Makinde appealed to the administration of President Bola Tinubu to safeguard the independence of institutions like the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He cautioned against actions that could harm opposition parties.

He said, "I just want to appeal to the present administration. Government will come and go. Our country will remain. They should please not destroy our institutions. Be it the judiciary, be it INEC which is supposed to be independent and saddle with the responsibility of conducting a free and fair election."

“They must stop trying to shut out the opposition. If you can win, win fair and square, you know, in the field.”

The governor also encouraged Nigerians to stay hopeful despite the current economic and other challenges. He expressed confidence that the country can overcome these problems.

He said, "And lastly, I want to also say to Nigerians. Please, don’t give up on this country. Yes, we are passing through challenges, we are faced with a lot of issues. But those issues, those challenges, they are surmountable. So please try your best, do your own bit. And tomorrow will be a better day."

On Thursday, the Federal High Court in Abuja, led by Justice Peter Lifu, invalidated the National Working Committee under Mark. This ruling also affected the appointment of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, as the party’s National Secretary.

The court invalidated decisions made by the Mark-led leadership, including candidate nominations for elections. It also instructed INEC not to recognize actions taken during the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

This judgment came after a suit was filed by Nafiu Bala Gombe, a former ADC Deputy National Chairman from the North-East. He challenged how Mark and his team took over the party.

Atiku has promised to appeal the judgment at the Court of Appeal. He described it as an effort to weaken the opposition as the 2027 elections draw near.

However, Gombe’s faction welcomed the court ruling. They insisted that the Mark-led leadership did not have valid candidates for the upcoming elections.