Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Chief Olabode George, emphasized the importance of having a viable opposition to strengthen democracy.
In a statement released on Monday, George reflected on Nigeria’s democratic journey and recent political and economic developments.
He stated that a democracy without a viable opposition is a disguised dictatorship.
“Democracy thrives on a plurality of ideas, not the silence of the graveyard,” George said.
George lamented what he saw as a growing intolerance of dissenting political viewpoints.
He denounced the reported harassment of Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde as a threat to Nigeria’s federal system.
“The harassment of these governors is not a mere political skirmish; it is a calculated assault on federalism,” he said.
According to him, intimidating elected state officials who hold opposing viewpoints indicates a shift toward authoritarianism.
He cautioned that efforts to weaken opposition parties could jeopardize democracy.
According to George, effective leadership must represent service and sacrifice.
He encouraged the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure fairness and transparency in future elections.
“The credibility of our democracy rests squarely on INEC. The era of miracle results and technical glitches must end,” George said.
On economic policy, George warned the federal government against adopting taxes that would suffocate businesses and citizens.
“While revenue generation is important, it must not come at the cost of the people’s survival,” he said.
Drawing on international experience, he offered Venezuela as an example of how excessive taxation and suppression of opposition can destabilize even resource-rich countries.
“Venezuela reminds us that when leadership prioritizes power over the people, nations crumble,” he said.
The PDP chieftain called on leaders to protect democratic institutions, respect opposing views, and safeguard Nigerians’ welfare.
“The soul of our nation depends on it,” he said.
