A public affairs analyst, Adekunle Adebayo, has raised concerns about an alleged plot to arrest key opposition figures in Nigeria. According to Adebayo, the targets include former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, ex‑Rivers State Governor Rotimi Amaechi, and former Kaduna State Governor Nasir el‑Rufai. He also claims that other prominent politicians—Isa Ali Pantami, Rauf Aregbesola and Kashim Ibrahim Imam—are being targeted.
Adebayo made these revelations in a statement, emphasizing that the alleged plan is part of a broader strategy to undermine opposition politics and establish a de facto one‑party system in Nigeria. He notes that this move follows earlier arrests and detentions of former governors Aminu Tambuwal and Chris Ngige, as well as former Attorney General of the Federation Abubakar Malami.
If carried out, the alleged arrests would raise significant concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria. Adebayo warns that such actions would violate the 1999 Constitution, infringing personal liberty, freedom of association and expression, and equality before the law, while also threatening the independence of the judiciary.
His concerns are rooted in a political landscape where the ruling party has been accused of using law‑enforcement agencies to target opposition figures. The selective application of the law based on political affiliation undermines the principles of constitutional democracy. Consequently, Adebayo urges the international community and civil‑society organizations to closely monitor the unfolding events.
As Nigeria navigates its democratic challenges, it is essential to protect democratic institutions and prevent the consolidation of political power through coercion and selective justice. The potential consequences of such actions could be far‑reaching, affecting the stability and legitimacy of the country’s democratic system.
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