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Prominent Igbo leaders have raised fresh concerns over the future of Nigeria’s democracy, warning that the continued suppression of opposition parties could undermine the credibility of the 2027 general elections and trigger political instability across the country.

The warning was issued by the Igbo Leaders of Thought (ILT), an influential assembly of intellectuals, traditional rulers and stakeholders from Nigeria’s South-East. The group argued that no democratic system can thrive without a strong and active opposition capable of holding those in power accountable.

In a statement signed by ILT President, Prof. Elochukwu Amucheazi, and Secretary, Prof. Jerry Chukwuokolo, the organisation condemned what it described as a systematic campaign to weaken opposition parties ahead of the next general election.

According to the group, recent developments—including concerns raised by Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate Peter Obi over his personal safety and alleged frustration of his business interests, as well as judicial rulings affecting major opposition parties—have raised serious questions about the country’s democratic environment.

The ILT also recalled previous remarks by Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo, who had warned that Peter Obi’s security could not be guaranteed in the state. The group further noted that during Obi’s visit to Edo State earlier this year for political activities, gunshots were reportedly fired at him and members of his entourage.

The organisation warned that weakening opposition parties through the use of state institutions could damage Nigeria’s democratic foundations and reduce public confidence in the 2027 elections.

The group specifically expressed concern over what it described as the use of institutions such as the judiciary, security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in ways that could prevent opposition parties from competing effectively with the ruling party.

“The democracy Nigerians enjoy today did not come easily. It was achieved after years of struggle against military rule,” the statement said.

The ILT argued that those who once fought for the restoration of democracy should not now be associated with actions that weaken democratic competition.

It warned that if the current political atmosphere is not addressed, Nigeria could face another major political crisis similar to those experienced during previous republics.

Drawing lessons from history, the group referenced the 1962 “Operation Wetie” political violence in Western Nigeria, which eventually contributed to the military coup of January 15, 1966.

It also recalled the disputed governorship election in Ondo State during the Second Republic, saying the resulting violence and destruction paved the way for another military intervention in 1983.

The organisation further pointed to the violence that followed the 2011 presidential election, which, according to Human Rights Watch, claimed more than 800 lives in northern Nigeria, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

The ILT stressed that its warning was not intended to create fear but to encourage political leaders and institutions to uphold democratic principles, protect political competition and ensure that the 2027 elections remain peaceful, credible and acceptable to all Nigerians.

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Former Head of State General Yakubu Gowon dropped a political bombshell Monday, revealing that President Bola Tinubu was instrumental in propelling the late Muhammadu Buhari to the presidency and that Buhari repaid the debt in full by ensuring Tinubu succeeded him.

“The support Buhari received from Tinubu helped him emerge as president,” Gowon told a gathering in Abuja marking the first anniversary of Buhari’s death. “This is something for which we must give President Buhari credit. He stood firmly behind President Tinubu so that he could continue serving Nigeria.”

In a rare moment of personal disclosure, the 90-year-old former leader also revealed a private debt to Buhari, recalling how a decade after leaving office and struggling in the UK — he couldn’t afford his children’s school fees.

“I appealed to him, and he ensured that my family received assistance to pay those school fees. That was the kind of person he was. He cared for people,” Gowon said, pushing back against those who viewed Buhari as a sectional leader. “He governed for all Nigerians.”

Senator Atiku Bagudu, who served as Kebbi State Governor and Chairman of the Progressives Governors’ Forum during Buhari’s tenure, confirmed the political reciprocity.

“Buhari had prayed that his brother, Tinubu, succeeds him, and Allah granted his wish,” Bagudu declared.

Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing Tinubu at the event, revealed a deeply personal moment: Tinubu had personally ordered him to fly to London when Buhari fell ill, instructing: “Ensure he lacks nothing.”

Shettima described the profound honor of later escorting Buhari’s body back to Nigeria on Tinubu’s behalf — “one of the greatest honours done to me by the president and the Buhari family.”

In his personal remarks, Shettima offered a poignant reflection on power and loyalty:

“When you are in power, your friends know you. When you are out of power, you know your friends.”

The Buhari family is now establishing the Muhammadu Buhari Foundation and Centre to document the late president’s contributions, according to former SGF Boss Mustapha.

Katsina State’s Deputy Governor Faruk Lawal Jobe described Buhari as belonging to “that rare generation of leaders whose personal integrity became synonymous with public service.”

Borno Governor Babagana Zulum recalled Buhari’s courage, visiting his embattled state “even at great security risk” during the peak of the insurgency.

The remembrance drew a who’s who of Nigeria’s political elite: former First Lady Hajia Aisha Buhari, the Ooni of Ife, former Senate President Ahmad Lawan, and governors including Sanwo-Olu (Lagos), Dapo Abiodun (Ogun), Abdulrazaq AbdulRahman (Kwara), and Bala Mohammed (Bauchi).

Gowon also congratulated Shettima on his nomination as Tinubu’s running mate for the 2027 election — a signal of continuity in the alliance that has come to define Nigeria’s modern political landscape.

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The presidential candidate of the African Democratic Congress, Atiku Abubakar, has directed his legal team to approach the Supreme Court for a final determination of issues arising from a recent Court of Appeal judgment, insisting that the ruling does not affect his 2027 presidential ambition.

Speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, in a statement obtained by Politics Nigeria on Monday in Abuja, Atiku urged members of the ADC and supporters to remain calm and focused, saying his presidential bid remained on course.

He dismissed claims that the Court of Appeal had invalidated the party’s primary elections for the nomination of candidates for the 2027 general elections.

“Those celebrating today should celebrate with caution. Those attempting to sell false hope to their supporters should remember that political propaganda can never substitute for judicial pronouncements,” the statement read.

According to Atiku, the judgment related only to the conduct of the party’s state congresses and the tenure of its State Executive Committees, and did not nullify the ADC’s primary elections conducted in accordance with the Electoral Act.

He argued that the election of party executives and the nomination of candidates through party primaries are separate legal processes governed by different constitutional and statutory provisions.

“There is a world of legal difference between the election of party executives through internal congresses and the nomination of candidates through statutory primary elections. They are distinct legal exercises, governed by different legal principles and serving different constitutional purposes. One should not be confused with the other,” he said.

Atiku maintained that courts determine only the issues brought before them and warned against extending the interpretation of the judgment beyond its actual scope.

He also accused his opponents of misrepresenting the ruling, insisting that the country is governed by the rule of law rather than political narratives.

The former vice president reaffirmed his confidence in the judiciary, describing the planned appeal to the Supreme Court as the appropriate constitutional step.

“Let no supporter of the ADC lose sleep. Let no Nigerian who believes in the restoration of our country be discouraged. The struggle to rescue Nigeria has never been about one courtroom or one judgment.

“The road to 2027 remains open, and the resolve of the Nigerian people cannot be overturned by propaganda. Our destination remains unchanged, and by the grace of God and the will of the Nigerian people, we shall arrive,” he added.