Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other national institutions against actions capable of undermining opposition parties, warning that recent political developments are raising tensions and threatening Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP expressed concern over what it described as “clear orchestrations and manipulation against opposition political parties,” saying the political temperature in the country has been raised to dangerous levels.
According to the party, “With recent political events which are clear orchestrations and manipulation against opposition political parties, the political temperature of the country has been unnecessarily raised to near-fever levels. Society, like the human body, either breaks down or adjusts when subjected to fever.”
The PDP alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is determined to win the next presidential election by any means necessary, warning that such a disposition could undermine democratic institutions.
“It is now common knowledge that the ruling All Progressives Congress intends to win the next presidential elections at all costs, by hook or crook. This desire has, for them, become an inevitable certainty that must be achieved, irrespective of the obvious impracticability staring them in the face,” the statement read.
“To achieve this, no boundary is respected, and nothing is too much to sacrifice — including derailing democracy, truncating the republic, and destroying Nigeria.”
The opposition party further accused national institutions of being drawn into what it described as a broader political agenda, naming the judiciary, INEC and religious institutions among those allegedly being deployed.
“National institutions have now become the executioners of this ill-conceived plan. No institution is too sacred or too fragile to be deployed on this mission — the judiciary, INEC, the clergy, among others,” the PDP stated.
The party particularly faulted INEC’s recent position regarding the African Democratic Congress (ADC), saying the commission’s interpretation of a Court of Appeal judgment on the leadership of the party has worsened political tension.
“The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has further heightened the already tense political atmosphere through its latest press statement on the derecognition of the David Mark-led NWC of the African Democratic Congress, based on its interpretation of the judgment of the Court of Appeal and other pending cases before various courts,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging that legal interpretations may vary, the PDP said INEC’s stance raises concerns about neutrality.
“While we concede that, semantically, the same words and sentences can convey different meanings, it is troubling that INEC’s default interpretation of matters concerning political parties consistently appears to favour the much-perceived and prevailing notion of an uncontested election — effectively handing a colourful coronation to its appointor and the incumbent president. In such circumstances, ulterior motives cannot be discounted.”
The PDP also expressed concern over recent political party monitoring activities conducted by the electoral body, warning that such actions could lead to the deregistration of opposition parties.
“The public has also observed a series of political party monitoring activities recently published by the Commission. While these activities fall within its statutory powers, the timing raises legitimate concerns. These activities are rumoured to result in the de-registration of opposition political parties — a development that would further injure our democracy.”
The party therefore urged INEC and other national institutions to resist partisan pressures and act in the interest of democracy.
“We hereby passionately appeal to all national institutions, especially INEC, not to yield to partisan pressures or the influence of appointing authorities. They must place the interests of democracy and the country above all else.”
The PDP further called on institutions to learn from history, warning against actions that could undermine democratic governance.
“They should draw lessons from history and the conduct of their counterparts in past democratic republics, where many years after people are still battling to clear their names of acts done against the Nigerian people.”
Describing the current moment as critical, the party warned against pushing Nigerians beyond their limits.
“This is a critical moment in our democratic journey, where the fragility and vulnerability of the polity are being tested to their limits. No individual or institution should stretch the patience of Nigerians beyond its present bounds. We must adopt a ‘country-first’ disposition that transcends partisan cleavages.”
The statement concluded with a call for the preservation of democracy and national unity, stating: “May Nigeria and democracy survive.”