Specifically, Nigeria Unite accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of masterminding a systematic assault on political freedoms.
A pro-democracy coalition, Nigeria Unite, has written to the United States legislature, warning of the “imminent collapse of democracy” in Nigeria, accusing powerful figures within the government, particularly the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, of leading an orchestrated campaign to silence opposition voices.
Letter to the US Senate
In a letter dated November 11, 2025, and addressed to the United States Senate, the group expressed alarm over the “declining democratic institutions in Nigeria,” describing the situation as a regional emergency that threatens peace and stability across the Sahel and beyond.
“The deterioration of democracy in the Sahel region signifies a regional crisis that poses a growing threat to international peace and stability,” the coalition said, warning that the crisis “has direct implications for migration control affecting Europe.”
The coalition noted that democracy in Africa’s Sahel region was already collapsing following successive military coups in Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger, and cautioned that Nigeria, the continent’s largest democracy, was now following the same path.
“The current trajectory of political events in the Sahel region of West Africa suggests an imminent collapse of democracy that threatens not only Nigeria, the largest democracy in the Black world, but also the stability and democratic integrity of the entire Sahel region,” the group warned.
Accusations Against Government Officials
The statement accused Nigerian leaders of “weak governance, erosion of democratic institutions, and deliberate suppression of opposition,” saying these trends were now being driven internally by figures within the ruling party.
Specifically, Nigeria Unite accused FCT Minister Nyesom Wike of masterminding a systematic assault on political freedoms.
“There is currently a systematic campaign to undermine opposition voices and consolidate power,” the group alleged. “The deliberate emasculation of opposition parties is evident in the actions of key figures such as Nyesom Wike.”
The coalition described Wike as “a political operative known for morally dubious activities during the Jonathan administration” who now “wields immense power to manipulate the judiciary, the police, and INEC to stifle dissent.”
Rivers State Crisis as Example
It pointed to the ongoing political crisis in Rivers State, which began after the fallout between Wike and his successor, Governor Siminalayi Fubara, in 2023.
“The State House of Assembly faced a fire incident after a fallout between Wike and Fubara, resulting in factions loyal to each leader and legal actions seeking judicial legitimization of control,” the coalition said, describing the situation as a warning sign of institutional collapse.
Concerns About a One-Party State
Nigeria Unite further accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of turning Nigeria into “a one-party state in the style of late General Sani Abacha.”
“The APC has used coercion, intimidation, and inducements to muscle the political space, overshadowing the façade of multi-party democracy,” the group stated.
“The continuous defections to the APC raise concerns about Nigeria transitioning into a one-party state, stifling opposition voices and compromising the democratic process.”
Weakening of Opposition Parties
The coalition said opposition parties like the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC) have been deliberately weakened through infiltration and state-backed manipulation.
“Wike’s criminal encroachment extends to the internal workings of the PDP, where the National Working Committee suspended several National Officers due to anti-party activities,” it noted. “However, his use of state resources to seal the PDP Secretariat raises concerns about the legitimacy of the party’s internal governance.”
According to the group, the use of public funds to induce defections and weaken political opponents represents “a reckless deployment of state resources” that erodes Nigeria’s democratic fabric.
“This practice not only fosters a culture of corruption but creates an environment where opposing views are systematically silenced,” the coalition said.
Weaponization of State Resources
It also accused Wike and other high-ranking officials of using state power to starve opposition governors and lawmakers of funds, while flooding loyalists with resources.
“Governors from the ruling party are showered with immense financial support, while their counterparts from opposition parties are deliberately starved of resources,” the statement said.
National Assembly and Executive Alliance
The coalition warned that Nigeria’s National Assembly has become “an extension of the executive”, saying it has “endorsed abuse of power and lost its independence.”
“The President is empowering Wike to suppress the opposition in Nigeria through intimidation, bribery, and chaos,” the letter continued. “The potential collapse of democracy in Nigeria could lead to widespread unrest as the opposition responds with mass actions.”
Potential International Repercussions
The group also raised alarm about possible international repercussions if Nigeria’s democracy collapses, describing the country’s population size and regional influence as potential triggers for instability across Africa and Europe.
“The destabilization of Nigeria, with its large population of 250 million people, would have repercussions across the African continent and beyond, including immigration to Europe and the US,” it said.
Call for International Intervention
Nigeria Unite therefore urged the African Union (AU), European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK), and United States to take immediate action to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
“We urge the African Union, the United States, and the United Kingdom to take a proactive stance in safeguarding democracy in Nigeria,” the group said.
Demand for Sanctions
The statement called for targeted sanctions against Nyesom Wike, including visa bans and asset seizures, to deter further abuse of power.
“We implore the international community to impose targeted sanctions against Nyesom Wike, the architect of many of these anti-democratic machinations. Measures such as visa bans and the confiscation of assets abroad would send a clear message that the international community will not tolerate the undermining of democratic principles.”
Accountability for Compromised Officials
It also demanded accountability for compromised judicial and police officials allegedly colluding with Wike, specifically naming judges John T. Tsoho, Peter Odo Lifu, Joyce Obehi Abdulmalik, and James K. Omotosho, as well as the FCT Commissioner of Police and INEC.
“Ensuring accountability is essential to restore public trust and uphold the rule of law,” the group insisted.
Conclusion
Concluding, Nigeria Unite warned that the window to save Nigeria’s democracy was closing rapidly:
“The stakes are high, and the time for action is now. The imminent collapse of democracy in the Sahel region is a reality that demands our collective attention and intervention. By taking decisive steps to support democracy in Nigeria, we can avert a humanitarian and political crisis that threatens not only West Africa but Europe and the world at large.”
