Chief Olabode “Bode” George, a former Deputy National President of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is at risk and called on the nation to return to the foundational principles of governance and the rule of law.
In a statement entitled “Wither Nigeria? A Reflection for Our Democracy,” George cited the Magna Carta of 1215 to underscore his concerns, declaring that “no authority is above the law.”
He warned that the three pillars of a functioning democracy — the rule of law, freedom of opposition and the independence of institutions — are under threat, and that when these pillars are weakened, democracy itself is endangered.
On the role of the opposition, George said: “The right of opposition voices to organise, to speak, and to contest power is not a privilege granted by those in authority; it is a constitutional necessity. To suppress dissent or undermine opposition structures is to erode the very framework that legitimises governance.”
He added that no modern president, however powerful, can stand above the law or act outside the constitutional order, citing the English monarchy, which was compelled to accept limits on its authority more than 800 years ago.
George further warned that when the opposition is silenced, accountability diminishes, governance weakens and public trust erodes.
