Olisa Agbakoba Criticizes Nigeria’s Democracy, Slams Opposition Defections to APC
Abuja, Nigeria – May 19, 2025
Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Olisa Agbakoba, has strongly criticized the ongoing trend of opposition politicians defecting to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), warning that the current structure of Nigeria’s democracy is fundamentally flawed and in need of a complete overhaul.
Speaking on Channels Television’s current affairs program Politics Today, Agbakoba expressed deep disappointment over the state of Nigeria’s democratic development, stating that the Western model of democracy, adopted since independence and reinforced after years of military rule, is failing to deliver for the Nigerian people.
“Something is fundamentally wrong in a process that is not delivering,” Agbakoba said. “After over 25 years of civilian rule—and even if we go back to 1960—military coups came in and out, but now with sustained democracy, we’re still not seeing results. I’ve reflected deeply and concluded that it’s time to shed ourselves of this Western model — the Oyibo model.”
A Call for a Homegrown Governance System
Agbakoba argued that Nigeria must explore an alternative system of governance that reflects the country’s unique social, cultural, and economic realities. He stated that ordinary Nigerians are less concerned with political structures and more focused on access to basic necessities such as food, healthcare, and education.
“Nigerians want a system that works — not endless party defections and power struggles. What matters to the people is a government that provides for them,” he emphasized.
On Mass Defections to APC
The legal luminary’s remarks come amid a fresh wave of defections by opposition politicians to the APC, raising concerns over the health of multi-party democracy in the country. Agbakoba warned that such moves undermine democratic institutions and weaken political competition, which is essential for accountability and reform.
“Defections do not strengthen democracy; they weaken it,” he noted. “If the solution to political survival is always to cross over to the ruling party, then the concept of opposition, checks and balances, and democratic choice becomes meaningless.”
A Democratic System in Crisis?
Agbakoba’s critique echoes growing frustration among civil society groups, legal experts, and voters about the performance of Nigeria’s democratic institutions, particularly in areas such as corruption, poverty, and governance. His call for a new governance model signals a renewed debate about whether Nigeria should continue to emulate Western political frameworks or develop a bespoke democratic system rooted in local traditions and realities.
As Nigeria heads toward another electoral cycle, the senior lawyer’s comments may reignite national conversations about constitutional reform, political accountability, and the search for a sustainable democratic future.