As reported by The Sun on Saturday, May 2, 2026, Mike Ahamba, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and a key figure in the Peoples Democratic Party, has accused President Bola Tinubu of compromising democratic values in the nation despite being known as a steadfast supporter of democracy who once put his life at risk for its protection.
He claimed that the present government is working to weaken opposition parties, labeling it a calculated attempt to dismantle democratic systems and restrict political diversity.
He voiced his worries about what he sees as a gradual reduction in the autonomy and effectiveness of opposition groups, highlighting that these changes threaten the democratic framework.
He stated that the essence of any democracy lies in allowing opposition parties to operate freely without outside interference, and any move to suppress them damages the basis of governance and accountability within the nation.
Regarding the issues surrounding the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Prof. Joash Amupitan, Ahamba remarked that public perception is crucial for sustaining trust in electoral institutions.
He noted that when there are doubts about the impartiality of an electoral overseer, it becomes hard for stakeholders to trust the election process, regardless of whether those doubts are substantiated.
He elaborated that the trustworthiness of elections relies not just on how officials act but also on their reputation among political figures and the general populace.
In his opinion, if an electoral referee is generally considered biased, the integrity of the election process is already at risk, making it difficult to guarantee fairness and acceptance of results.
Ahamba stressed that those in key positions must be prepared to make personal sacrifices to uphold the credibility of the institutions they serve.
He argued that stepping back amid widespread claims, even without clear evidence, could aid in restoring trust and maintaining the integrity of the electoral body.
He also voiced concerns regarding what he termed inappropriate administrative interference in the affairs of political parties, asserting that such actions are beyond the rightful duties of an electoral commission.
He insisted that political parties must retain their independence and that any effort to influence or control their internal matters undermines democratic ideals and the rule of law.
He remarked, “There’s no smoke without fire. If the people you are set to oversee a match for feel that you are biased, it’s not prudent for you to take the field. You should respectfully withdraw from the election. This is how I see it. If I were in his position, I would simply resign. Yes, because there are enough indications proving his bias. He cannot interfere with political parties administratively. He should not be doing that, but he has been….See More
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