Arise News presenter Rufai Oseni has criticised the All Progressives Congress (APC) over what he described as growing hostility towards opposition figures, urging the ruling party to remember how it was treated when it was outside government.

During Wednesday’s edition of The Morning Show, Oseni recalled how APC leaders openly criticised former President Goodluck Jonathan, organised protests, demanded his resignation and even threatened to form a parallel government while challenging his administration.

He argued that despite the harsh criticism directed at him, Jonathan did not use the power of government to silence opposition leaders or prevent them from expressing their views.

Oseni questioned whether the APC would have eventually taken power if Jonathan had responded to its activities with arrests, intimidation and restrictions.

He said Jonathan gave the opposition room to speak, protest and even insult him, describing such tolerance as an important part of democratic governance.

The broadcaster also expressed concern over alleged attempts to intimidate opposition politicians, referencing the reported attack on Peter Obi in Calabar.

According to him, allowing political intimidation to become normal could weaken Nigeria’s democracy, create an atmosphere of lawlessness and gradually push the country towards a one-party system.

Oseni maintained that political parties must be willing to defend the same democratic freedoms they enjoyed while in opposition, rather than restricting those rights after gaining control of government.

His comments have renewed debate over the APC’s treatment of political opponents and whether the party is living up to the democratic principles it demanded during Jonathan’s administration.