The African Renaissance Movement (ARM) has issued a stark warning to the federal government about the dangers of monopolizing Nigeria's political landscape, cautioning that such actions could foster monopolistic economic tendencies and undermine the nation's democratic framework.
In a press statement released by ARM Convener Dr. Aliyu Audu, the civil society organization expressed deep concern over what it described as "the dangerous consolidation of power under President Bola Tinubu, as well as his alliance with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, sustained by the alleged complicity of the National Assembly."
Democracy Under Threat
The statement emphasized that a silenced opposition ultimately cripples the moral and spiritual fabric of a nation. "The heartbeat of a free country lies in the contestation of ideas, the exchange of diverse ideologies, and the protection of dissenting voices," the group stated.
ARM warned that the apparent Tinubu-Wike alliance could severely undermine key democratic principles including open dialogue, internal political competition, and inclusive governance for Nigerians.
"We have observed with growing concern the subtle but dangerous consolidation of power currently taking place under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, enabled through his strategic alliance with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, and sustained by the deliberate complicity of the National Assembly and segments of the ruling class," the statement read in part.
Economic Implications
The organization highlighted the interconnection between political freedom and economic prosperity, noting that "liberalization of the economy without political pluralism is an illusion."
"When the political space shrinks, the economic space contracts with it. The implication is profound: not only do we lose jobs, but we also lose innovation, morale, and the soul of democratic governance," ARM cautioned.
According to the group, the democratic framework that supports multi-party elections and open dialogue is not merely about ballots but serves as "the engine of wealth redistribution, inclusive governance, and spiritual accountability."
Call to Action
ARM alleged that the apparent mission of the Tinubu-Wike axis is to "decimate the opposition and suppress civic dissent," which would result in regression into authoritarian rule with far-reaching consequences for the nation's economy, governance, and moral compass.
The organization called on civil society, the judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, the media, and all well-meaning Nigerians to "rise within the bounds of the law and defend the nation's democracy from spiritual erosion and constitutional collapse."
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