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By Oscar Okhifo
Former Kaduna Central Senator and pro-democracy activist, Shehu Sani, has dismissed comparisons between President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and Nigeria’s past military regimes, describing such parallels as misleading and dishonest.
Sani argued that criticisms directed at the current administration are largely fueled by personal frustrations and political exclusion, rather than genuine concern for national interest.
“Most of those in opposition today have been part of the political system since 1999. Their grievances are more about being shut out of power than anything else,” he said.
Sani warned against reducing opposition politics to mere reactions from politicians who have lost relevance.
He also criticized leading opposition parties, including the PDP, NNPP, SDP, and Labour Party for blaming the president for their internal crises, describing such behavior as “irresponsible.”
“You cannot have political parties that are failing to put their house in order and then blame the president for their disintegration,” he added.
Addressing growing claims that the Tinubu administration is reverting to authoritarian tendencies, Sani rejected such assertions outright, noting that Nigeria’s democratic space today remains significantly freer than it was under military rule.
“Under the military, people were jailed, exiled, or killed for protesting. Today, people are protesting in the streets and criticizing the government openly. That comparison is dishonest,” he emphasized.
Sani, who was himself imprisoned for his role in the June 12 pro-democracy movement, commended President Tinubu for receiving an award during this year’s Democracy Day celebrations, describing it as a recognition of his “unequalled and unparalleled” role in the struggle for democracy.
He, however, advised Tinubu to remain tolerant of dissent and protests, citing his own history as a former activist who fought against military dictatorship.
On the political crisis in Rivers State, Sani also weighed in on calls for a state of emergency, cautioning that any such measure must not be an excuse to stifle democracy.
“A state of emergency should only be used to create space for reconciliation and dialogue, not to take the state back to military-style governance,” he said.
The former senator urged the opposition to refocus its energy on constructive engagement and credible alternatives, rather than coalitions aimed solely at unseating the ruling party.
“If we want to preserve democracy, both government and opposition must play their roles responsibly.”
He said.