Nigerian constitutional lawyer and human rights advocate, Mike Ozekhome, has warned that Nigeria is unknowingly moving towards a one-party state — a path he fears could culminate in dictatorship if left unchecked.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Hard Copy programme on Friday, Ozekhome criticised rampant political defections, describing them as “bootlicking at its highest level” and evidence of politicians’ lack of ideological conviction.

The lawyer, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), likened party-switching to “beans, akara, and moi-moi; they’re the same,” emphasising the erosion of meaningful political distinctions.

“We are gradually driving, without knowing it, towards a one-party state, and it’s a dangerous move if we are not careful. In a one-party state, dictatorship reigns supreme. National Assembly pocketed, judiciary pocketed, and everyone saying ‘yes, yes, yes’. Dictatorship, absolute corruption, which can no longer be checked,” he warned.

READ ALSO: There Is Freedom Of Movement, Tinubu Defends Defections Into APC

Drawing on history, Ozekhome referenced the People’s Democratic Party’s 16-year reign, which collapsed despite claims of 60 years in power.

He also cautioned that President Bola Tinubu’s consolidation of power across key sectors could result in Tinubu effectively running against himself in the 2027 election if opposition forces stay divided.

Expressing concern over public complacency, Ozekhome urged Nigerians to resist helplessness, stressing, “The power is yours; it is not theirs.”

Watch the interview below: