PDP: Tinubu Govt Has Turned Nigerian To Authoritarian State
On Saturday, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused President Bola Tinubu’s administration of turning Nigeria into an authoritarian state.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Interim National Working Committee member Ini Ememobong, the PDP cited concerns over the decline of democratic institutions, suppression of dissent, and weakened checks and balances.
PDP statement highlighted a recent report by the Human Rights Foundation, which classified Nigeria as a fully authoritarian regime.
In response to the report, the party argued that this aligns with the ongoing realities faced by Nigerians under the APC-led government, pointing to electoral flaws, lack of protection for dissenting voices, erosion of democratic safeguards, and the collapse of oversight by key national institutions.
READ ALSO
- Jonathan Signed Documents Himself, Ready To Contest Against Tinubu, Others –PDP
- 2027: Plateau PDP Candidate Unveils Educator As Running Mate
- State Capture: We’ll Convey Your Concerns, UK Team Tells PDP
According to the foundation’s Tyranny Tracker platform, Nigeria scored poorly across critical indicators, signalling a slide into authoritarianism incompatible with democratic principles.
The assessment echoes widely recognised characteristics of such regimes, including rule by a small ruling group or single party, suppression of free speech, opposition targeting, and flawed elections.
The PDP cited recent incidents, such as officials attacking Catholic Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Church, as evidence of curtailed free speech.
The party criticised the National Assembly for failing to provide meaningful oversight, citing the administration’s neglect of the Appropriation Act for three years despite legislative inaction.
The statement warned that the 2027 elections are increasingly viewed as a mere formality, with little chance of reflecting the will of the people.
The PDP called on the Tinubu administration to de-escalate political tensions, cease weaponising security agencies, and stop inflammatory rhetoric.
It emphasised that the presidential race is intertwined with national stability, warning that focusing solely on winning the presidency could threaten the country’s future. The PDP urged Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders to uphold democracy.
