PDP Accuses Tinubu of Engineering One-Party State, Colluding with ‘Rubber-Stamp’ Judiciary”

As Nigeria marked Democracy Day on June 12, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) issued a bold and scathing statement, warning Nigerians of what it described as a sinister plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to impose a one-party state. The PDP, through its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, urged citizens to use the occasion to “re-awaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the APC.”

The main opposition party expressed concern that democratic institutions and processes are under siege, citing increasing attempts by the ruling party to control electoral, judicial, and legislative bodies. “The PDP calls on Nigerians, institutions of democracy, organized civil society, development partners and all lovers of democracy to unite in speaking out against the stifling of democratic tenets such as justice, the rule of law, and free, fair elections,” Ologunagba declared.

Allegations of State Capture and Suppression of Opposition

The PDP accused the APC-led federal government of leveraging state power to violate constitutional provisions, suppress the opposition, and silence dissent. According to the party, poverty is being weaponized as a tool to control the populace, while the media is being systematically asphyxiated to prevent public accountability.

The statement alleged a strategic alliance between the presidency, the National Assembly, and certain top judicial officers to undermine Nigeria’s democracy. “More distressing,” the party stated, “is that the APC-led Presidency has remained unaccountable while colluding with corrupt, rubber-stamp leadership in the National Assembly and compromised judicial officers to pave the way for a totalitarian regime.”

Democracy Undermined in Edo and Rivers States, PDP Claims

Pointing to recent events in Edo and Rivers States, the PDP decried what it called blatant subversions of democracy. The party cited the 2024 Edo governorship election, which it claimed was marred by manipulation, as well as the controversial removal of a democratically elected government in Rivers State and its replacement with a sole administrator.

“These constitutional violations,” the party said, “are a clear and present danger to our democracy and exemplify a brazen resort to state capture.” It warned that such actions threaten the very foundation of democratic governance and violate the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees the separation of powers and institutional independence.

Call to Uphold MKO Abiola’s Legacy and Democratic Values

As Nigerians remembered the legacy of Chief MKO Abiola, the symbol of the June 12 pro-democracy struggle, the PDP urged the APC to honor his memory by upholding democratic principles. It emphasized that Abiola represented freedom, justice, and credible elections — values which, according to the PDP, have eroded under the current administration.

“June 12 embodies the struggle against oppression and impunity,” the PDP said. “These are the democratic values Nigerians enjoyed under the Peoples Democratic Party, but which have been lost since the APC took over power under a deceptive Special Purpose Vehicle.” The party reiterated its call for the APC to respect democratic norms, including press freedom, electoral integrity, and economic policies that serve the people rather than control them.

PDP Reaffirms Commitment to Democratic Struggle Ahead of 2027

In closing, the PDP congratulated Nigerians on this year’s Democracy Day while expressing hope for a political resurgence in 2027. The party appealed to citizens to remain law-abiding and committed to the democratic process, assuring them that it is positioning itself to “rescue the nation from the stranglehold of the APC.”

It also called on the National Assembly, the Judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to assert their constitutional independence and uphold the rule of law. “The future of our democracy depends on our collective resistance to authoritarianism,” the party said, reaffirming its readiness to lead the charge toward a freer and more accountable Nigeria.