As Nigerian Democracy Day, the Democratic Party (PDP) opposition has issued a stern warning of what is described as a rapid erosion of democratic values under the government of Bola President Ahmed Tinubu and the decision of all the Progressive Congress (APC).
In a very signed statement signed by his national publicity secretary, Debo Oologunagba, PDP accused the Federal government led by the APC of regulating the anti-democratic agenda aimed at turning Nigeria into a De facto party.
The statement, which was released on Thursday, regretted what he called “Systematic attacks on the pillars of democratic justice, rule of law, free and credible elections, and the right of citizens to participate freely in government.”
“PDP calls on Nigeria to use the opportunity for Democracy June 12 to revive and strengthen their resistance to APC’s anti-democratic design,” the party said. “Especially plans to head the regime of one Lalim Party in Nigeria.”
The party describes the current political climate as one that is dominated by intimidation, manipulation of institutions, and the trend of developing countries.
“It is very worrying that the APC government continues to use the compromised state apparatus to boldly violate the constitution, suppress the opposition, arm poverty, and castrate the freedom of the media,” said Oologunagba. “This is an attempt to force the mentality that loses to citizens and reduce Nigeria into the personal heritage of a special person.”
PDP also condemned the recent political development, including what was described as “the unconstitutional imposition of a single administrator in the state of Rivers” and the alleged manipulation of the election process in the accumulation of the election of the Governor of the State Edo. According to the party, this action represents “clear and current dangers” for the future of Nigeria’s democratic.
The same -the same unsettled, PDP noted, was what he called executive outreach into the Assembly and the National Court, accusing both arms of compromising their independence.
“The president who is led by APC remains irresponsible when he is colluding with corrupt leadership and rubber stamp in the national assembly and certain court officers to clean the road for the totalitarian system in Nigeria,” the party allegations.
PDP urges democratic institutions, civil society, and international development partners to speak against what he sees as a gradual descendant of Nigeria into authoritarianism. It asked Inec, justice, and the national assembly to confirm their independence and act solely for the interests of the people of Nigeria and the constitution.
Highlighting the symbolic significance of June 12, the party given the legacy of the Head of MKO Abiola, who was widely considered to be the winner of the 1993 presidential election which was canceled.
“Democracy June 12 representing Nigeria’s resistance to the oppressive government, and without law,” PDP said. “This is a call for a system that is responsible, inclusive, and committed to justice, equity, and credible election, the values fought by the Head of MKO Abiola and pay the highest price.”
The opposition party also targets the APC economic policy, accusing the government of “arming poverty” through policies that have worsened the cost of the life crisis.
In conclusion, the PDP demanded that the Tinubu government “respect the memory of the Head of Abiola” by upholding democratic principles, respecting the separation of power, enables the freedom of the press, ensuring credible elections, and stopping all actions that reduce the progress of Nigerian democracy difficult.