Makinde warns FG not to weaken opposition ahead of 2027 elections

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has warned the Federal Government not to weaken democratic institutions or use them to silence opposition parties as the 2027 elections approach.

Makinde made this statement after the Federal High Court ruled against the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), which is led by former Senate President David Mark. The court also affected the process that named former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar as the party’s candidate for the presidential election.

He spoke during an interview with Bauchi Radio Broadcasting, and the station shared the video on Friday.

The governor said the court ruling had thrown the ADC’s leadership and plans for the 2027 elections into doubt. He noted that Atiku’s chance of running for president is now at risk as well.

Makinde 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."

He urged President Bola Tinubu and his government to respect the independence of key institutions, especially the judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He warned against actions that could harm opposition parties.

Makinde added, "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."

He continued, "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 told Nigerians not to lose hope in the nation despite the many challenges they face. He expressed confidence that they 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, ruled against the National Working Committee under Mark. It also nullified the rise of former Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, to the position of National Secretary.

The court invalidated decisions made by Mark’s leadership, including the choice of candidates for elections. It also told INEC not to recognize any decisions made at the party’s 99th National Executive Committee meeting held on July 27, 2025.

This ruling followed a suit by Nafiu Bala Gombe, the former ADC Deputy National Chairman (North-East). He challenged how Mark and the caretaker committee took control of the party.

Atiku has promised to fight the ruling at the Court of Appeal. He called it an attempt to weaken the opposition before the 2027 elections.

On the other hand, Gombe’s group welcomed the ruling, claiming that the Mark-led leadership did not have valid candidates for the upcoming elections.