Falana Warns Tinubu: Drifting Toward One-Party Rule Threatens Stability

 

Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has cautioned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu against allowing Nigeria to slide into a one-party structure, warning that such a political environment could trigger instability and encourage undemocratic interventions.

Falana, who spoke on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, said Nigeria cannot claim to champion democratic values across West Africa while its internal democratic space continues to shrink.

According to him, Nigeria must demonstrate political pluralism at home if it hopes to curb the rising wave of coups in the sub-region.

“If you want to stop coups, you must allow political pluralism in Nigeria. You cannot head towards a one-party state and still attempt to export democracy. Nigeria must put its house in order,” he said.

He noted that many citizens are increasingly dissatisfied with government policies, adding that the repression of dissent and weakening of opposition voices—common among African leaders—create fertile ground for instability.

Falana stressed that political stability will remain elusive unless government addresses economic distress, poverty, illiteracy and insecurity.

He warned against the misuse of state power to stifle rival parties, saying such tendencies push nations toward authoritarian rule.
“No democracy can thrive without a strong and competitive opposition,” he said, lamenting how ruling parties across the continent often neutralise opposition groups through intimidation and restrictive measures.

The rights advocate also criticised the rising clampdown on civic freedoms, insisting that dissent must not be criminalised.
“You must show that the political space will not shrink as it is now. Freedom of expression must be protected. Charging people with various offences for expressing views about their country is unacceptable,” he added.

Falana challenged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to widen the political landscape by registering more ideological parties. The commission, he argued, has been reluctant to open the political arena, thereby limiting democratic participation.

Asked whether the resurgence of coups in West Africa might continue, Falana replied:
“It won’t be the last. Once opposition leaders are jailed, driven into exile or killed, you cannot have stability.”

His comments follow Sunday’s failed coup attempt in Benin Republic, led by Lt.-Col. Pascal Tigri, during which soldiers briefly seized the state television station. The uprising was swiftly crushed by Benin forces with support from Nigerian troops and ECOWAS.

Several casualties were recorded, 14 suspects arrested, while Tigri remains at large. The putschists had cited insecurity, disputes over military promotions and political restrictions ahead of the 2026 polls.

The attempted takeover drew condemnation from the African Union, United Nations, European Union and ECOWAS. The Nigerian Senate has since approved President Tinubu’s request to deploy troops to Benin Republic as part of a regional stabilisation effort.