Renowned human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Femi Falana, has called on the Federal Government to broaden political freedoms and foster genuine democratic pluralism as a bulwark against military coups, emphasizing that Nigeria must lead by example to stabilize the West African region.
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In an interview on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday, Falana highlighted the need to tackle the root causes of instability, stating: “If we want to have political stability in Nigeria, you must address the crisis of the economy, address poverty, tackle illiteracy, and curb insecurity of lives and property.”
He lambasted the ongoing contraction of civic space, decrying the criminalisation of dissent and the suppression of opposition voices. “There must be freedom of expression. You cannot be charging people with all manner of offences for expressing their views about the affairs of their country,” Falana asserted. He warned that authoritarian practices such as jailing, exiling, or eliminating opposition leaders inevitably breed unrest and coups, noting that many African citizens are “unhappy” with governance that renders opposition “impotent” through manipulated institutions and law enforcement.
Falana specifically targeted the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for stifling ideological diversity, urging it to register more political parties to challenge the status quo. “INEC must open the political space and allow ideological political parties to be registered… Right now, INEC is not prepared to open the political space,” he said. He cautioned against Nigeria drifting toward a one-party state, adding: “You cannot have a situation where the country is moving towards a one-party state and you want to export democracy. Nigeria has to put its house in order to align with political pluralism.”
Falana’s remarks follow a failed coup attempt in Benin Republic on Sunday, December 8, 2025, led by Lt. Col. Pascal Tigri, who remains at large. The plotters seized the state television station in Cotonou, announcing the ouster of President Patrice Talon amid grievances over deteriorating security, disputed military promotions, and curbs on political freedoms ahead of the 2026 elections.
Beninese forces, backed by the ECOWAS standby force and Nigerian troops, swiftly quashed the uprising within hours. The clash resulted in several deaths, with at least 14 suspects arrested. The African Union, United Nations, European Union, and ECOWAS issued strong condemnations, underscoring threats to regional democracy.
In response, Nigeria’s Senate approved President Bola Tinubu’s request for troop deployment to Benin on Tuesday, signaling deeper involvement in counter-coup efforts.
Falana predicted more coups unless African leaders prioritize pluralism, stating: “Once you put opposition leaders in jail, send them into exile, or kill them, you cannot have political stability… It won’t be the last.” He positioned Nigeria as a pivotal actor, urging it to “show leadership in stabilising the region” amid a wave of West African takeovers.
Falana’s advocacy aligns with growing concerns over democratic backsliding, as credible elections demand competitive opposition and expanded participation to prevent the grievances that fuel military interventions.
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