The Peoples Democratic Party has raised alarm over what it described as growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, warning that recent actions by national institutions, particularly the Independent National Electoral Commission, could undermine the integrity of the 2027 elections.
In a press statement issued on April 2, 2026, in Abuja, the party said “recent political events” suggest “clear orchestrations and manipulation against opposition political parties,” which it argued have heightened political tensions across the country.
“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,” the statement read, warning that society, like the human body, “either breaks down or adjusts when subjected to fever.”
The PDP directly accused the ruling All Progressives Congress of pursuing victory in the next presidential election “at all costs, by hook or crook,” alleging that this ambition risks destabilising democratic structures.
“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,” the party said, adding that “no boundary is respected, and nothing is too much to sacrifice including derailing democracy, truncating the republic, and destroying Nigeria.”
The opposition party further alleged that key national institutions were being deployed to execute what it described as a coordinated political agenda, naming the judiciary, INEC, and even the clergy.
“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 statement added.
The PDP specifically criticised INEC’s recent decision to derecognise the leadership of the African Democratic Congress led by David Mark, describing the commission’s interpretation of court rulings as questionable and politically consequential.
“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,” PDP stated.
The party also raised concerns over INEC’s recent monitoring activities involving political parties, suggesting that such actions could lead to the deregistration of opposition parties and further weaken democratic competition.
“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,” it said.
Calling for restraint, the PDP urged national institutions to remain neutral and prioritise the country’s democratic future over partisan interests.
“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 statement read.
The party warned that Nigeria is at a critical juncture, with democratic institutions being tested amid rising political tensions.
“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,” it added.
The statement, signed by PDP National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, concluded with a call for a “country-first” approach, urging all stakeholders to rise above partisan divisions to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy.
“May Nigeria and democracy survive.”
Erizia Rubyjeana
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