Power Centralization: A Threat to Democracy

Since taking office, President Bola Tinubu’s steadily centralized power. His administration recently announced plans to merge 63 revenue agencies into a single entity. While officials claim this will reduce tax collection costs and improve efficiency, many fear it will weaken oversight. Centralizing financial control under one body makes corruption easier and limits transparency.

At the same time, Tinubu’s allies dominate the legislature. Instead of acting as an independent check on executive power, lawmakers now approve almost every proposal without debate. This rubber-stamp governance means fewer voices question policies that impact millions of Nigerians.

Undermining Anti-Corruption Efforts

Anti-corruption institutions have also come under pressure. Shortly after Tinubu took office, security agents raided the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) headquarters, seizing sensitive documents. Many believe this move was designed to destroy evidence of corruption within the administration.

Moreover, the EFCC’s independence is now at risk. The government’s restructuring plan could place these agencies under direct executive control. If this happens, investigating politicians or top officials will become nearly impossible.

ECOWAS: A Fading Watchdog

Regionally, ECOWAS has played an essential role in upholding democracy. However, under Tinubu’s leadership, the organization appears weak. While he publicly condemns military coups in West Africa, his own government shows troubling signs of authoritarianism.

ECOWAS’s failure to act decisively has raised concerns. Instead of holding Nigeria accountable, the bloc remains silent on issues like political repression and economic mismanagement. Without external pressure, Tinubu faces little resistance to his growing influence.

Economic Reforms: A Heavy Burden on Citizens

While Tinubu’s government claims to be reforming the economy, its policies have worsened living conditions. Removing fuel subsidies and liberalizing the naira’s exchange rate led to soaring inflation. As a result, basic goods are now unaffordable for many Nigerians.

Public frustration is rising. Protests have erupted across the country, demanding relief from the economic strain. Instead of addressing these concerns, the government has responded with mass arrests and crackdowns on activists.

Lessons from History

History has shown that unchecked power leads to abuse. The Watergate scandal in the U.S. forced President Nixon to resign when investigative journalists exposed corruption. In contrast, Zimbabwe’s Robert Mugabe remained in power for decades due to weak institutions.

Nigeria is at a crossroads. If institutions remain weak, corruption will thrive. If citizens and civil society push for accountability, change is still possible.

How Nigeria Can Restore Accountability

To safeguard democracy, Nigerians must demand stronger institutions. First, the independence of anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC must be restored. Without this, high-level corruption will continue unchecked.

Second, the media and civil society organizations must remain vocal. Exposure of government overreach can force policy changes. Finally, international bodies must increase pressure on the government to respect democratic principles.

Nigeria’s future depends on holding leaders accountable. If unchecked, Tinubu’s power grab will push the country further into authoritarianism.