Legitimate Victory Comes Through Competition, Not Weak Opposition — Adeyanju Tells Tinubu

Human rights activist and lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to pursue re-election in 2027 through credible competition rather than deliberate moves to weaken opposition political parties.

Adeyanju, who has been a vocal critic of the political establishment, argued that a legitimate electoral victory could only be earned through a free, fair, and competitive electoral process that gives Nigerians the opportunity to choose their leaders without manipulation or undue interference.

The activist's comments come against the backdrop of recent court rulings and political developments that have raised concerns over what observers described as attempts to shrink the political space and weaken major opposition parties ahead of the 2027 polls.

Adeyanju maintained that a President seeking re-election should focus on delivering measurable results in governance, addressing the country's pressing security and economic challenges, and engaging Nigerians on the basis of his administration's track record.

He stressed that the credibility and legitimacy of any electoral victory depend significantly on the strength of the competition faced and the fairness of the process, noting that a victory secured against a weakened opposition would always be questioned.

The activist warned that deliberate attempts to weaken opposition parties through court actions, defections, or other political manoeuvres could undermine public confidence in the country's democratic process and create the impression of a tilted political playing field.

He called on the President to ensure that the political space remains open to all political parties, candidates, and ideologies, in line with the country's constitutional provisions and democratic ideals.

Adeyanju also urged opposition parties to remain steadfast, build strong internal structures, and engage Nigerians with credible alternatives, rather than relying on grievances or external interventions to secure political relevance.

He called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and committed to defending the country's democracy, noting that the strength of any democracy lies in the active participation of citizens, the existence of viable opposition parties, and a level playing field for all political actors.

The activist further appealed to the judiciary to remain impartial and resist any attempt to be drawn into partisan political battles, stressing that the courts must continue to serve as guardians of the country's democratic system.

Adeyanju's comments come amid recent court orders relating to the deregistration of some political parties and the broader political realignments taking place ahead of the 2027 polls.

The development has sparked widespread debate among political stakeholders, with several commentators expressing concerns over what they describe as a worrying trend of political manoeuvres that could undermine the integrity of the upcoming general elections.

The activist concluded by urging President Tinubu to lead by example, embrace fair political competition, and work towards strengthening the country's democratic institutions for the benefit of present and future generations.