Concerns over the future of opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections have intensified following allegations that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is working with powerful political actors to weaken opposition parties.
The controversy followed INEC’s refusal to recognise the Tanimu Turaki (SAN)-led National Working Committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
The commission based its decision on existing court judgments and unresolved legal disputes within the party.
However, critics say the move goes beyond legal issues and is aimed at destabilising the PDP ahead of the next presidential election.
Civil rights groups and opposition figures have accused INEC of acting in concert with the Presidency, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.
They argue that the alleged plan is designed to weaken opposition structures and give President Bola Tinubu an easy path to re-election in 2027.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) described INEC’s position as contradictory. The group noted that the same commission monitored the PDP national convention held in Ibadan, Oyo State, where the Turaki-led leadership emerged.
According to HURIWA, it was inconsistent for INEC to later question the legitimacy of a process it observed.
HURIWA further alleged that the development was part of a broader and coordinated effort to cripple the PDP and prevent it from producing a strong presidential candidate capable of challenging the ruling party.
The group also called for a thorough investigation into claims by Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, that Wike was actively working to destroy the PDP from within.
The association’s National Coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused INEC of allowing itself to be used as a political tool to suppress opposition voices.
He warned that weakening opposition parties poses a serious threat to democracy and urged President Tinubu to halt what he described as a deliberate agenda to undermine political pluralism.
Amid these concerns, Nasarawa State Governor Abdullahi Sule dismissed fears that Nigeria is sliding into a one-party state.
Speaking to journalists at the weekend, Sule argued that the country had experienced similar political dominance in the past without losing its multi-party structure.
He recalled a period when the PDP controlled nearly 29 states while also holding power at the federal level. According to him, Nigeria did not become a one-party state at that time, and the current situation should not be viewed differently.
Sule’s comments come against the backdrop of recent defections by several opposition governors to the APC.
Governors Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta, Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Peter Mbah of Enugu, Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom, and Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau have all reportedly joined the ruling party. Taraba State Governor, Kefas Agbu, is also expected to formally defect in January.
The APC has also recorded an influx of lawmakers from opposition parties, strengthening its numbers in the National Assembly. The ruling party now enjoys more than a two-thirds majority in both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Despite these gains, Sule insisted that political dominance does not automatically translate to the collapse of opposition parties.
He maintained that Nigeria’s democratic system remains intact and capable of sustaining multiple political voices.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.