APC fires back at PDP for alleging slide into totalitarianism

A political storm is brewing in Nigeria as the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) sounds the alarm of the nation dangerously slipping into totalitarianism and anarchy under the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration. But the APC, in response, has accused the PDP of launching calculated attacks against democratic institutions.*

The PDP, in a strongly-worded statement, highlights concerns about attempts by a presidential cabal to undermine democratic institutions, especially the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the Judiciary. The party claims that these actions are geared towards establishing a one-party state, pointing to manipulation of elections and conflicting court judgments.

The unfolding scenario, particularly in states like Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Nasarawa, where the PDP alleges being robbed of victories through the courts, is depicted as a systematic emasculation of the opposition. The party warns that this poses a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s democracy, unity, and political stability.

Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, calls on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to denounce any actions stifling democracy. The party urges the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal to assert the independence of the judiciary.

In a swift response, the APC dismisses the PDP’s claims as unfounded, referring to them as “attacks calculated to disparage, denigrate, and blackmail our democratic institutions.” Umar Damagum, the Acting National Chairman of the PDP, is accused of making baseless allegations without evidence.

The APC contends that the PDP’s fear of losing more seats is driving the attacks. The statement condemns the PDP’s persistent criticism of the judiciary, labeling it as “psychotic hypocrisy” and deeming the party a “reckless rolling stone of corruption and underdevelopment.” The APC suggests the PDP is a liability to partisan democracy.

As the political tension escalates, both parties exchange accusations of crude politics and manipulative behavior. The PDP insists on the peril facing Nigeria’s democracy, while the APC calls for the PDP to reinvent itself or wind down.