Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, has declared that any attempt to impose a one-party state in Nigeria will face stiff resistance. She emphasized the need to safeguard democracy and uphold the nation’s political diversity.
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Naija247news-,12,MAY2025
LAGOS — Nigeria’s former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Senator Kofoworola Bucknor-Akerele, has sounded a strong warning against any moves to turn the country into a one-party state, declaring such a development would be “strongly resisted by all patriotic Nigerians.”
Speaking during a media parley in Lagos over the weekend, the elder stateswoman decried the current political climate, which she says is being shaped by deliberate suppression of opposition voices and manipulation of democratic institutions. According to her, the warning signs are clear and should not be ignored.
“What we are seeing is an obvious erosion of democratic values. There is a deliberate attempt to marginalize opposition parties and shrink political space. But let me make it clear: a one-party state in Nigeria will be firmly opposed,” she said
Democracy Under Siege
Bucknor-Akerele, who served as Deputy Governor under the Bola Tinubu-led administration from 1999 to 2003, noted that the strength of any democracy lies in its plurality and the vibrancy of its opposition. She condemned what she described as “intolerant posturing” by the ruling class and urged citizens to remain vigilant.
She accused some political actors of orchestrating a subtle clampdown on dissent through the use of state machinery, including security agencies, anti-corruption bodies, and electoral commissions, to stifle rival parties.
“When opposition leaders are constantly harassed, when court orders are flagrantly disobeyed, and when institutions are no longer independent, it is no longer democracy but autocracy in disguise,” she added.
Call to Action for Civil Society
Senator Bucknor-Akerele called on civil society organizations, the media, and the international community to intervene before the situation deteriorates further. She urged youth groups and professional bodies to speak up against what she termed “the creeping dictatorship” disguised as governance.
She also emphasized the importance of political education, urging Nigerians to understand the long-term consequences of remaining silent in the face of political manipulation.
Historical Reflection and Warning
Drawing parallels with Nigeria’s political history, she reminded the nation of the dangers of autocracy, referencing the military regimes of the past and how difficult it was to reclaim democracy.
“We must not repeat history. Too many people sacrificed for our return to civilian rule in 1999. We cannot afford to go backwards,” she said.
The former senator’s statement comes amid growing concerns over shrinking civic space, rising political tensions, and increasing calls for electoral reforms. Her comments have resonated across social media, drawing support from opposition figures, activists, and concerned citizens who see her as a voice of reason and resilience.
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Reporting by Favor Akpan, News Writer in Lagos, Nigeria.
