Tinubu Should Make Opposition Stronger – Peter Obi

Abuja – Former Anambra State Governor and African Democratic Congress (ADC) chieftain, Mr Peter Obi, has called on the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government to shield opposition parties from interference and actively support their growth to ensure a vibrant democracy.

Obi made the remarks during a live interview on Arise TV on Monday night, April 13, 2026, as the ADC grapples with a leadership crisis and prepares for its national convention in Abuja. The outspoken politician stressed that a strong and functional opposition remains critical to holding the government accountable and deepening democratic values in Nigeria.

“The government should ensure the protection of the opposition. In fact, they should make the opposition stronger, make it work,” Obi declared, according to NaijaChoice News monitoring of the broadcast.

He drew a sharp contrast with the era of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, recalling how the former leader personally intervened to stabilise opposition parties during internal disputes. Obi narrated his own experience in an APGA crisis under Yar’Adua, stating that the president had directed the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to meddle in party affairs so that parties could function effectively and deliver credible elections.

“I have been involved in party disputes before under President Yar’Adua. I recall him telling the then INEC Chairman that ‘I don’t want any problem in any party. I want the parties to be stable and function very well and we have free and credible election,’” Obi said. He added that Yar’Adua even expressed readiness to step down if defeated at the polls, describing it as a model of political tolerance Nigeria should return to.

The ADC leader accused the current administration of deliberately undermining opposition parties through external interference, including alleged planting of moles and pressure on INEC. He insisted the ADC convention scheduled for Tuesday, April 14, in Abuja would hold despite INEC warnings and venue denials, insisting the electoral body’s recent actions were influenced by “external forces” bent on destroying the opposition.

“Government in office should ensure they protect opposition. In fact, they should make opposition stronger, make it work,” Obi reiterated, warning that failure to do so was eroding the gains of Nigeria’s democracy. He lamented that some leaders who once cried out against similar tactics when in opposition are now presiding over the same practices.

The statement comes amid growing concerns over the health of Nigeria’s multi-party system ahead of the 2027 general elections. Political observers note that Obi’s move to the ADC and his push for coalition-building among opposition forces signal an intent to present a formidable challenge to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

NaijaChoice News reports that Obi’s comments have already sparked debates across social media platforms, with supporters hailing it as a bold defence of democratic principles while critics dismissed it as political grandstanding. The development is expected to dominate discussions at the ADC convention today, where Obi confirmed he would be in attendance to ensure the party concludes its congresses and presents a united front.

As Nigeria inches closer to another election cycle, Obi’s call has reignited conversations on the role of the ruling government in fostering genuine opposition rather than weakening it. Stakeholders believe that only a protected and empowered opposition can guarantee the accountability and good governance Nigerians desperately seek.