Prof. Udenta Udenta, the founding National Secretary of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu, accusing him of eroding democratic principles and using the judiciary and the 1999 Constitution (as amended) as tools to suppress Nigerians. Udenta expressed his concerns during an interview on Sunrise Daily, a program aired on Channels Television on Thursday.
His remarks were particularly in response to the suspension of Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, which he described as an attack on democratic institutions orchestrated by the Tinubu administration. According to Udenta, the institutions meant to uphold democracy are being manipulated and distorted, thereby silencing political discourse and weakening democratic governance.
He warned that when those in power abandon democratic norms and use state institutions to dismantle the structures meant to safeguard democracy, the system collapses—not necessarily through violent means but through strategic manipulation of legal frameworks, as seen in Rivers State. Udenta argued that Tinubu’s administration is gradually eroding the foundations of democracy, making it increasingly difficult for opposition voices to thrive.
Beyond the federal level, Udenta also criticized the Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), for taking actions that further weaken democratic institutions. He condemned Ibas’s suspension of all political appointees in the state, stating that it exemplifies an authoritarian approach that is inconsistent with democratic governance.
Udenta described the situation in Rivers State as a “hybrid regime,” which he explained as a form of competitive authoritarianism designed to suppress democratic institutions at various levels. According to him, not only are political parties affected, but also labour unions, civil society organizations, and media houses, all of which are being restricted from freely operating.
He further lamented the deteriorating quality of life for Nigerians over the past two years, citing rising poverty, food inflation, and economic hardship as clear indicators that governance has failed to address the needs of the people. With the cost of living rising sharply, he expressed concern that average Nigerians are struggling to survive, as inflation continues to erode their purchasing power.
Udenta’s comments reflect growing concerns among political analysts and opposition figures who believe that democratic institutions in Nigeria are being gradually undermined, with potentially serious consequences for the country’s political future.
©Advocatengr