Salako argued that this apparent contradiction suggests that the President is benefiting politically from a weakened opposition rather than encouraging a competitive democratic environment.
Political analyst and public affairs commentator Dr. Olarinre Salako has alleged that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is gradually consolidating political power in a manner that weakens Nigeria's opposition and threatens the country's democratic development.
Speaking during an interview with Rudolf Okonkwo on 90MinutesAfrica, Salako argued that although President Tinubu has a long history as a pro-democracy activist and opposition figure, his actions in office appear inconsistent with those democratic credentials.
According to him, the President's June 12, 2025, Democracy Day address to the National Assembly illustrated this contradiction. While Tinubu rejected accusations that he intends to transform Nigeria into a one-party state by citing his role in the struggle for democracy, he also expressed satisfaction with the current state of disarray within the opposition.
Salako argued that this apparent contradiction suggests that the President is benefiting politically from a weakened opposition rather than encouraging a competitive democratic environment.
