The Arewa Think Tank and 10 other Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) have cautioned opposition political parties against “pulling down the roof of democracy” ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The groups further advised opposition political parties to uphold democratic principles and avoid actions that could undermine the nation’s stability.
Speaking on behalf of the other CSOs amid heightened local and international attention on Nigeria’s political climate, the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, Muhammad Alhaji Yakubu, in a statement, urged all political actors to operate within the bounds of the law.
“Democracy is not a battlefield for reckless ambition; it is a disciplined arena governed by rules, ethics, and national responsibility. The opposition must understand that power attained outside these principles is a threat, not a victory,” Yakubu said.
He said the group’s intervention is driven by patriotism and a desire to preserve Nigeria’s democratic framework, noting that the country’s stability must take precedence over political ambition.
“We at the Arewa Think Tank firmly believe that Nigeria’s democracy must not be sacrificed on the altar of desperation. Political actors must play the game according to the rules, because without rules, there is no democracy to inherit,” he added.
Yakubu warned that attempts to undermine institutions or bypass due process could have far-reaching consequences, stressing that the strength of any democracy lies in respect for its structures.
“No nation survives when its political players seek shortcuts to power. The opposition must resist the temptation to undermine institutions and instead strengthen them through lawful participation,” he said.
His remarks came at a time when Nigeria’s political environment is attracting increasing international scrutiny.
A prominent United States lobbying firm, Von Batten-Montague-York, L.C., has warned that the administration of President Donald Trump would take decisive action against any attempt to undermine democratic processes in Nigeria.
Against this backdrop, Yakubu reiterated that safeguarding democracy is a shared responsibility that requires discipline from all stakeholders, especially opposition parties.
“We support a vibrant opposition, but not one that gambles with the stability of the republic. Democracy thrives on competition, yes, but competition anchored in respect for the law and the will of the people,” he said.
He added: “The rules of democracy are not optional guidelines; they are binding principles. Any attempt to bend them for political convenience risks bringing down the very structure that sustains us all.”
Yakubu called for political maturity, urging opposition leaders to prioritise national interest above personal ambition.
“Nigeria must come first,” he said. “Those who seek to lead her must prove their commitment not by how loudly they challenge the system, but by how faithfully they uphold it.”
As Nigeria navigates a politically sensitive period under growing global watch, Yakubu noted that the durability of the nation’s democracy will ultimately depend on the willingness of its political actors to respect the rules that govern it.
Meanwhile, the groups have strongly criticised the decision by the United States government to authorise the departure of non-essential embassy staff from Abuja, warning that such actions could send the wrong signals to the international community and discourage potential investors.
They described the move as unnecessary and capable of creating panic, arguing that Nigeria’s security challenges, while real, are being actively addressed by authorities.
The groups expressed concern that the U.S. travel advisory and partial staff withdrawal could undermine confidence in Nigeria’s economy and democratic stability.
According to the Convener of Arewa Think Tank, “Actions like this have far-reaching implications beyond security,” he said. “They risk projecting Nigeria in a negative light and may ultimately scare investors away at a time when the country is working hard to attract foreign investment.”
He drew comparisons with the United States’ own internal challenges, noting that periods of political and electoral tension are not unique to Nigeria.
“Most of their elections, too, in the United States used to go through turbulent times,” Yakubu stated. “But do other countries around the world ask their staff or embassies to close? No. As they are able to manage their turbulences, that’s how Nigeria will be able to manage hers.”
While acknowledging the existence of security concerns, Yakubu insisted that such issues should not be exaggerated or presented in a manner that could damage Nigeria’s global standing.
“They should not raise false, unverifiable alarms. We know we have challenges. We are tackling them, and we will tackle them,” he said.
The Arewa Think Tank maintained that Nigeria remains stable and capable of managing its internal affairs, urging foreign partners to adopt a more balanced and supportive approach.
The group further emphasised that international cooperation should be rooted in mutual respect and confidence, rather than actions that could inadvertently weaken investor sentiment or public trust.
DAILY TRUST.
