By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi
A legal luminary and veteran politician, Chief Segun Adegoke, has said President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has effectively demystified opposition political parties in Nigeria, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), by deploying decades of political experience to weaken and outmanoeuvre rival platforms.
Adegoke, an 85-year-old elder statesman based in Ondo City, Ondo State, with a long history in Nigeria’s political evolution, argued that Tinubu stands apart from previous leaders as “the first real politician” to ascend to the presidency, bringing with him a deep understanding of party structures, internal dynamics and power negotiation.
Speaking with Nigerian Monitor in an exclusive interview at his country home, he disclosed that this political sophistication has enabled the president to capitalise on existing weaknesses within opposition parties, especially internal divisions, and turn them into strategic advantages.
“What is happening in party politics today is not entirely new. There have always been internal crises—from the days of the Action Group to the NCNC and so on—but what is different now is how those crises are being exploited,” Adegoke said.
He noted that while intra-party conflicts had historically been managed without destroying party cohesion, the current political environment has seen those divisions amplified and weaponised, particularly against the PDP, which he described as the most formidable opposition platform in terms of national spread and historical roots.
Adegoke alleged that the ruling establishment has deliberately taken advantage of these cracks, widening them through political pressure, inducement and strategic alignment of key actors, thereby weakening the opposition from within.
He cited instances of prominent political figures like Nyesom Wike, the FCT Minister, maintaining dual loyalties or acting in ways that undermine their own parties, describing the situation as unprecedented and deeply troubling for Nigeria’s democratic balance.
“You see people who are still in a party but working against it openly, and the system allows it. That tells you something bigger is at play,” he said.
The former commissioner maintained that Tinubu’s strength lies in his ability to read political situations and manipulate outcomes through calculated engagement with individuals and factions across party lines.
“He knows how to use one group against another—A against B, B against C—until the entire structure becomes destabilised,” Adegoke stated, adding that such political dexterity has given the president a commanding advantage over fragmented opposition parties.
He argued that the PDP, in particular, has suffered the most because of its historical strength, especially in northern Nigeria, making it a primary target for political neutralisation.
According to him, the apparent weakening of the party is not merely accidental but the result of sustained strategic pressure designed to erode its cohesion and electoral viability.
Adegoke further suggested that inducement and political bargaining have played a role in the ongoing crisis within opposition ranks, with some actors allegedly influenced by promises of protection, political survival or future opportunities.
While he acknowledged that internal weaknesses within the PDP contributed to its current state, he insisted that external interference has significantly deepened the crisis.
Despite his criticism, Adegoke warned that the erosion of strong opposition parties poses a risk to Nigeria’s democracy, noting that a healthy political system depends on balance and credible alternatives.
“If opposition is rendered ineffective, then democracy itself is weakened,” he said.
He also cautioned that the current trajectory could have long-term consequences, stressing that attempts to dominate the political space without adequate checks may eventually provoke instability.
Adegoke, who has remained an influential voice on governance and political accountability, reiterated the need for institutional integrity and party discipline, urging political actors to prioritise national interest over personal or partisan gains.
He maintained that while political strategy is an inherent part of governance, it must not come at the expense of democratic principles or the stability of the system.
