A prominent constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Professor Mike Ozekhome (SAN), has raised the alarm over what he describes as Nigeria’s steady slide towards a one-party state, a dangerous path he warns could culminate in authoritarian rule if citizens remain passive.
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Hard Copy on Saturday, Ozekhome expressed grave concern over the country’s political direction, accusing elected officials of engaging in widespread political cross-carpeting without regard for ideology or principle.
“We are gradually driving, unknowingly, towards a one-party state,” he said. “And if care is not taken, dictatorship will follow full-blown.”
He bemoaned the growing culture of sycophancy within political circles, describing it as “bootlicking at its highest level,” and accused politicians of betraying the electorate by switching allegiances for personal gain rather than for any deeply held convictions.
“It’s like beans, akara, and moi-moi, they’re all the same,” Ozekhome said, using the analogy to highlight what he sees as the ideological emptiness of Nigeria’s major political parties.
The senior lawyer warned that the current trend threatens the foundations of democratic governance, urging Nigerians to resist the drift and hold political leaders accountable.
