Lawyer and political commentator Anthony Ehilebo has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu harbours ambitions beyond serving two constitutional terms, claiming the President ultimately wants to remain in power for life.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme on Friday, monitored by Headlineswave.ng, Ehilebo said Nigeria is currently in what he described as a “precarious situation,” alleging that recent political developments point to a dangerous erosion of democratic norms.
According to him, “The trappings are already there.”
Ehilebo argued that if President Tinubu secures a second term in office, the country could witness a further consolidation of power that, in his view, may pave the way for an attempt to remain in office indefinitely.
He accused the current administration of using state institutions to intimidate and weaken political opponents, alleging that Nigeria is gradually assuming the characteristics of a police state.
The lawyer further claimed that opposition figures are being harassed and, in some cases, detained without being promptly taken to court.
He cited former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai as one of the examples he believes illustrate his concerns.
Ehilebo also criticised the Tinubu administration’s economic direction, arguing that its policies have failed to improve the living conditions of ordinary Nigerians.
He further alleged that insecurity remains widespread and accused the government of shielding corrupt officials serving under the present administration.
Turning to opposition politics, Ehilebo alleged that the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, is deliberately weakening the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), claiming the minister’s actions are helping to deny President Tinubu a formidable opposition ahead of future elections.
According to him, a vibrant opposition is essential for Nigeria’s democracy, and any effort that undermines opposition parties ultimately weakens democratic governance.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Presidency nor the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, had responded publicly to Ehilebo’s allegations.
