Ex-Edo Gov Osunbor accuses APC-led govt of destroying opposition parties

Former Edo State Governor Prof Oserheimen Osunbor accused the APC-led Federal Government of doing everything within and beyond its power to destroy opposition political parties in Nigeria. He made the allegation on Friday, May 1, 2026, during an interview on Channels Television's programme 'Politics Today'. Osunbor also criticised Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, alleging that Gbajabiamila told a House of Representatives member, Leke Ajebade, to remain in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and destroy it. He stated that the independence of the legislature and judiciary no longer exists in Nigeria, citing a viral social media video of the Chief of Staff urging a Reps member to 'fight them and scatter them'.

These claims matter because they signal a potential systematic effort to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections, threatening Nigeria's democratic pluralism and the ability of citizens to choose among competing political platforms. If true, such actions could erode public trust in institutions, exacerbate political instability, and hinder sustainable development by limiting policy debate and accountability.

Readers should note that opposition parties have recently faced various pressures, including internal defections and legal challenges, while the ruling APC continues to consolidate power through appointments and legislative actions. The situation invites scrutiny of the government's commitment to democratic norms and the effectiveness of institutional checks and balances. If these allegations hold, what strategies should opposition parties adopt to survive, and how can citizens assess and protect the health of Nigeria's democracy?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/02/2027-apc-doing-everything-to-destroy-opposition-osunbor/