ADC Ruling: Don’t destroy Nigeria’s institutions; stop suppressing opposition, Makinde tells Tinubu govt

Mr Makinde urged the Federal Government not to engage in activities that could weaken the independence of the democratic institutions.

Elizabeth Jegede • November 7, 2026

Seyi Makinde and Tinubu

Oyo State governor and 2027 presidential candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Seyi Makinde, has appealed to the Bola Tinubu administration to stop attempts to shut out opposition parties.

He said those seeking electoral victory should win through a fair competition.

Mr Makinde made the appeal while reacting to the court judgment nullifying the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), during an interview with Bauchi Radio shared on the Instagram account of Oyo Affairs on Friday.

Mr Makinde urged the Federal Government not to engage in activities that could weaken the independence of the democratic institutions.

“I just want to appeal to the present administration. Government will come and go, country will remain. They should please not destroy our institutions, be it the judiciary or the INEC that is supposed to be independent and saddled with the responsibility of conducting a free and fair election. They must stop trying to shut out the opposition.” the governor said.

Mr Makinde also encouraged Nigerians to remain committed to the country’s progress, saying they should continue doing their part and hope for a better Nigeria.

He stated, “And lastly, I want to also say to Nigerians. Please, don’t give up on this country. Yes, we are passing through challenges, we are faced with a lot of issues. But those issues, those challenges, they are surmountable. So please try your best, do your own bit. And tomorrow will be a better day for us as a Nation.”

His remarks came amid a Federal High Court judgement on Thursday nullifying the leadership of the ADC led by Senator David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola as the party’s National Secretary.

The ruling also invalidated decisions taken by the Mark-led leadership, including the nomination of candidates for elective positions, especially Atiku Abubakar as the party’s presidential candidate ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The suit was filed by a former ADC deputy national chairman, Nafiu Gombe, who challenged the process that brought Mr Mark and other members of the caretaker committee to power.

The ADC, however, rejected the judgement and vowed to appeal it, stressing the legitimacy of its leadership.

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