Barrister Olalekan F. Ojo, a Lagos-based human rights lawyer and strong advocate of social justice, is the Managing Partner, Platinum & Taylor Hill LP, a leading law firm in Nigeria. In this chat with EJIKEME OMENAZU, he speaks on the rising killings in the Middle Belt states, particularly Benue and Plateau states as well as the floodgate of defections from several political parties to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Excerpt:
What is your take on the recent attacks and killings in the Middle Belt, especially in Benue and Plateau states?
The repeated violence in Benue and Plateau states is a humanitarian tragedy and a national security failure. These attacks, often targeted and systemic, are symptoms of deep-rooted issues; land disputes, ethnic tensions, and historical injustices. But, what makes it more alarming is the government’s inability to respond effectively. Every life lost reflects a governance gap. What we need is not just security intervention, but a comprehensive peace-building strategy that includes local dialogue, justice for victims, and mechanisms for long-term coexistence. These states cannot continue to bleed while officialdom offers recycled platitudes.
A cross section of Nigerians have stressed the need for people to be allowed to carry guns to protect themselves since the government and its security agencies seem not to be doing enough to protect lives and properties of Nigerians?
The clamour for self-defence through arms is a sign of the people’s desperation and diminishing confidence in state protection. However, opening the floodgates for citizens to bear arms, especially in a country with weak firearm control and poor law enforcement, could have disastrous consequences. It risks turning Nigeria into a lawless terrain with vigilante justice and escalating communal conflicts. Instead, the focus should be on strengthening community policing frameworks, intelligence-based security responses, and ensuring security agencies are properly trained, equipped, and accountable. The answer to insecurity is not more weapons in civilian hands, but better governance and reform of the security architecture.
Don’t you see it as worrisome that the government and security agencies have not been able to arrest and prosecute these attackers, widely believed to be Fulani herdsmen?
It is deeply worrying and frankly unacceptable. In any rule-of-law society, the inability or unwillingness to arrest and prosecute killers is a betrayal of the state’s primary responsibility: to protect life and property. When communities are attacked repeatedly without consequence, it fosters impunity and encourages further violence. If the perpetrators are Fulani herdsmen or any other group, they must be brought to justice. The security agencies must rise above ethnic, religious, or political bias. No group should be seen as untouchable. What we have now is a justice vacuum, and that is a dangerous path for any country.
Why do you think the Federal Government and security agents are finding it difficult to tame the terrorist groups operating in the country?
Nigeria’s struggle with terrorism stems from both structural and operational weaknesses. We face a combination of poor intelligence gathering, lack of synergy between security agencies, underfunding, and low morale. Add to that, the politicisation of security matters and corruption in the defence procurement chain, and you have a system that cannot effectively combat terrorism. Beyond the military dimension, we also need to address the root causes — economic deprivation, lack of education, and porous borders. A multi-pronged strategy involving regional cooperation, economic inclusion, rehabilitation of repentant terrorists, and judicial reform is the only way forward. We cannot shoot our way out of this crisis alone.
How do you see the recent floodgate of defections to the All Progressives Congress (APC)?
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What we are witnessing is a migration of political elites, not an ideological shift. Most of these defections are driven by personal political survival, not conviction. It reveals the fragility of our party system, where parties lack ideological depth and are often vehicles for ambition rather than national development. While defections are allowed in democracy, the sheer volume and timing of these moves raise questions about internal democracy and political opportunism. Nigerians deserve parties that reflect their hopes and offer clear alternatives, not just platforms that serve as political shelters during electoral storms
Do you agree that the country is gradually sliding into a one-party state?
There is growing concern, and rightly so. A dominant-party system, especially one unchecked by a viable opposition, is dangerous for democracy. The health of a democracy depends on competition, dissent, and diversity of views. When the opposition becomes too weak or compromised, governance suffers. That said, it is not just about one party becoming dominant, it is about why the opposition is failing. Internal crises, lack of ideological clarity, and weak leadership have contributed. The solution lies not in blaming the ruling party, but in rebuilding credible, visionary, and disciplined opposition movements that can challenge power effectively.
With the near-death state of the opposition, do you think there will be an alternative to the All Progressives Congress (APC) come the 2027 general elections?
Politics is fluid, and 2027 is still some distance away. While the opposition may appear disorganised now, there is ample time to regroup. What is needed is a coalition built on shared values, credible leadership, and a clear governance agenda. The 2023 elections showed that Nigerians are willing to support alternatives, if they are seen as authentic and competent. If the opposition can learn from its past mistakes and build around the yearnings of the people, particularly the youth and working class, an alternative is not only possible, but necessary for the health of our democracy.
Late Pa Ayo Adebanjo has just been buried. Chief Edwin Clark, another elder statesman, will soon be buried. What lessons should Nigerian leaders learn from their brand of politics?
These men, regardless of political affiliations, were deeply committed to principles justice, federalism, accountability, and the rights of their people. They used their voices to hold power to account, often at personal cost. Their legacies remind us that politics should be about service, not selfish accumulation. Nigerian leaders today must learn that history will judge them not by how long they held power, but by what they did with it. Leadership must be rooted in conscience, not convenience. In an era of transactional politics, we must return to the moral courage exemplified by leaders like Pa Adebanjo and Chief Clark.
Do you think any party stands a chance of defeating the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the upcoming Anambra governorship election, or will the All Progressives Congresss (APC) machine prevail?
Anambra State is politically sophisticated, and its electorate is known to vote based on performance, not sentiment. While APGA has historical strength in the state, that advantage is not guaranteed. If APC or any other party presents a strong candidate with a credible message and a real plan for governance, they can pose a serious challenge. However, the APC must overcome perceptions of federal imposition and connect with grassroots realities. Ultimately, the outcome will depend on the credibility of the process, the strength of the candidates, and the will of the voters.
What is your take on concerns over LASIEC’s ability to conduct credible local elections in Lagos, given that it is seen as an APC extension?
The integrity of any electoral body must be beyond question, especially in a state like Lagos with a history of political dominance by one party. While LASIEC is a state-controlled body, its independence must be demonstrable, both in structure and operation. These concerns are valid and should not be dismissed. Transparency in staffing, logistics, result collation, and voter education is essential. For the democratic process to have legitimacy, all stakeholders, ruling party, opposition, civil society, must have confidence in the electoral process. If LASIEC is to rise above these doubts, it must go the extra mile to build trust and deliver elections that reflect the true will of the people.
By Ejikeme Omenazu @TheINDEPENDENT
