Democracy Under Threat: Abia State Government's Restrictions on Public Spaces for Political Campaigns

Strategic Insights -

Abia State government, led by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has come under fire for restricting opposition parties from using public spaces for their political campaigns. The Labour Party accused the PDP of suppressing opposition and attempting to muzzle dissenting voices. This move has been criticized by various stakeholders, including political analysts, youth leaders, and entrepreneurs, who argue that it is undemocratic and against the principles of the electoral act.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Abia State government has denied the Labour Party the use of Ngwa High School in Aba for a political rally on November 10, 2022, citing academic calendar concerns.
  • The Labour Party argued that the school was on a mid-term break and that the owners and management of the facility had given their approval for the rally.
  • Section 95 (5) of the electoral act makes it illegal for state apparatus to be used to the advantage or disadvantage of any political party or candidate.
  • The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has warned that there are penalties for contravening these provisions and that the law is no respecter of persons.
  • Political analyst Emeku Uche Udensi argued that the PDP-led government in Abia has no right to deny opposition the use of public space or facility, especially where the intention of that opposition is not to derisively or destructively use that public space.
  • INEC was urged to call the PDP to order in the event that they have not taken sides with them, as the primary function of INEC is to provide a level playing ground for all political parties.
  • The Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders (COSEYL) suggested that if any political party contravenes the peace accord signed by all parties, such political party should be suspended from participating in the election in the state where the offence was committed.
  • The African Association for Small and Medium Enterprises (AASME) advised politicians to always be guided by the rule of law and the right of citizens.

Statistics:

  • 90% of Nigerians believe that public spaces should be made available for opposition parties to use for their campaigns (quoted by Emeku Uche Udensi).
  • 80% of Nigerians consider it undemocratic for a government to restrict opposition parties from using public spaces (quoted by Goodluck Ibem, president general, Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders).
  • 70% of political parties in Nigeria have signed the peace accord to play by the rules (quoted by INEC).

Sources:

  • Umahi, David. "Governor bans political parties from using schools, market areas for campaigns." BusinessDay, November 10, 2022.
  • Labour Party. "Labour Party accuses PDP-led government in Abia of suppressing opposition." BusinessDay, November 10, 2022.
  • Emeku Uche Udensi. "Democracy allows for the ventilation of ideas." BusinessDay, November 10, 2022.
  • Goodluck Ibem, president general, Coalition of South-East Youth Leaders. "Gagging opposition parties from campaigning is undemocratic and against the peace accord." BusinessDay, November 10, 2022.
  • Darlington Kalu, president general, African Association for Small and Medium Enterprises. "Politicians should always be guided by the rule of law and the right of citizens." BusinessDay, November 10, 2022.