As Nigeria marks Democracy Day on June 12, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to stand firm against what it described as a plot by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to establish a one-party state in the country.
In a statement issued yesterday by its National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the opposition party accused the ruling APC of undermining democratic institutions and attempting to entrench a despotic political regime.
“The PDP calls on Nigerians to use the occasion of the June 12 Democracy Day to reawaken and strengthen their resistance to the anti-democratic designs of the APC,” the statement read.
“The ruling party is plotting to foist a despotic one-party system on the nation.”
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The PDP alleged that the APC-led federal government was using state institutions to suppress opposition voices, stifle media freedom, manipulate electoral processes, and erode the rule of law.
It also accused the ruling party of weaponising poverty to suppress dissent.
According to the PDP, “the APC government continues to use compromised state apparatus to violate the Constitution, defy the liberty of citizens, and corrupt institutions of democracy. This includes collusion with certain judicial figures and a rubber-stamp National Assembly to impose a totalitarian system on the country.”
The party also cited recent events in Edo and Rivers States as examples of what it described as constitutional violations by the ruling party.
It condemned the outcome of the Edo governorship primary and the appointment of a sole administrator in Rivers State, calling both instances a “clear and present danger” to Nigeria’s democratic order.
The PDP urged democratic institutions, including the National Assembly, the judiciary, and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), to assert their independence and act in line with constitutional provisions and the public interest.
It also called on Nigerians to honour the legacy of MKO Abiola, the symbol of the June 12 struggle, by defending the principles of justice, accountability, and credible elections.
“June 12 represents the people’s rejection of oppression and their aspiration for a government that is accountable and governed by the rule of law. Sadly, these values have been eroded under the APC,” the statement continued.
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While congratulating Nigerians on Democracy Day, the PDP urged citizens to remain law-abiding and not lose faith in the democratic process.
PDP called for unity ahead of the 2027 elections: “We encourage Nigerians to rally with the PDP as we reposition to rescue our nation from the stranglehold of the APC.”
