Dr. Garus Gololo, a former chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has accused President Bola Tinubu of forsaking the values of democracy. This accusation was made during an interview with The Sun that took place on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
He stated that the only apparent accomplishment of the President is his ability to fly abroad for medical care and to empower ministers who behave without regard for the consequences of their actions.
The responsibilities that Nyesom Wike and David Umahi play in the current administration were highlighted by Gololo, who referred to them as the two most powerful ministers in the cabinet.
He asserted that they function without any checks and frequently engage in activities that are detrimental to the opposition.
He expressed his grave disapproval of the decision to suspend the elected Governor of Rivers State, describing it as a perilous assault on democratic principles.
Tinubu, who was formerly a significant figure in the NADECO movement and marched in defence of democracy, is now acting in ways that are comparable to those of military regimes, according to Gololo, who stated that it is ironic that Tinubu is doing this.
It was brought to his attention that even previous President Muhammadu Buhari, who was a retired general, did not proclaim a state of emergency in any of the states during his tenure, despite the fact that the level of fear was increasing.
Under Tinubu’s leadership, Gololo is of the opinion that democracy is being relegated to the background in favour of political pressure and the use of force.
It has been brought to his attention that opposition governors are currently facing the possibility of suspension if they do not participate in the APC.
He cautioned that this trend is analogous to military dictatorship and that it is in direct opposition to the principles that underpin democratic societies.
Gololo also questioned the quiet of important institutions and officials who ought to be protecting the constitution from the silence they have shown.
He voiced his opinion that it is a disgrace for the nation to employ state authority in order to stifle resistance.
In his conclusion, he emphasised that the African Democratic Congress (ADC) is now a genuine alternative for the year 2027 and stated that Nigeria must wake up before it is too late.
“His main accomplishment is that he went to France to receive medical treatment, and he also appointed the two most powerful ministers, Wike and David Umahi, who are free to act in whatever way they see fit. The president of Rivers State, who was elected democratically, was removed from office, which is another significant accomplishment. Permit me to enquire: is it not the same Tinubu who sought for office in the streets to defend democratic principles? Would he not have been a part of the NADECO that battled against the administrations of Babangida and Abacha? Has anyone informed him that genuine democratic institutions employ military strategies? He exclaimed, “What a disgraceful nation this is!”
