Governor Makinde Warns Tinubu: ‘Don’t Destroy Nigerian Judiciary, Win Fair And Square If You Can’

Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has warned President Bola Tinubu against destroying Nigeria’s democratic institutions, accusing the ruling All Progressives Congress of moves to sideline opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The warning was made while reacting to the court judgment nullifying the David Mark-led leadership of the African Democratic Congress, a development that has raised concerns over the party’s future and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s 2027 presidential ambition, ValidViewNetwork reports.

THE WARNING

Makinde was unequivocal.”I want to appeal to President Bola Tinubu. Governments will come and go, but our country will remain. Please, do not destroy our institutions, be it the Judiciary or INEC. Stop trying to shut out the opposition,” he said.

He stressed the need for INEC to maintain its independence and carry out its constitutional responsibility of organising free, fair and credible elections without political interference.

“We all witnessed the court judgment, that basically nullified the leadership of a major opposition party, ADC, and also, by that action, the candidature of Alhaji Atiku Abubakar came under threat,” he said.

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THE CALL FOR FAIRNESS

Makinde maintained that opposition parties and their candidates should be given equal opportunities to participate in elections, urging the ruling party to seek victory through legitimate electoral competition rather than weakening its political rivals.

“We should not destroy our institutions, be it the judiciary, be it the INEC that is supposed to be independent, saddled with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections,” he said.

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

WHY IT MATTERS

Makinde’s intervention is a significant moment in the 2027 campaign.

He is not an opposition figure speaking from the sidelines. He is a sitting governor, a member of the political establishment, and a candidate in the 2027 presidential race.

His decision to publicly warn the President against undermining the judiciary and INEC is a signal that the opposition is prepared to fight for the integrity of the electoral process.

For Tinubu, the warning is a challenge. For the judiciary, it is a reminder that its independence is being watched. For Nigerians, it is a question: if the institutions that are supposed to protect democracy are being weakened, what will be left of the 2027 election?

The warning has been issued. The campaign continues. And the institutions are on trial. ValidViewNetwork reports.