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PDP Accuses APC of Stifling Democratic Space, Intimidating Opposition Ahead of 2027 Elections

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed deep concern that President Bola Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) are attempting to stifle democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections. The PDP, in a communique issued at the end of its 99th NEC meeting in Abuja, accused the APC-led federal government of undermining democratic institutions and intimidating opposition parties through open siege, threats, and coercion.

According to the PDP, the APC's actions are a sinister plot to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state, as evidenced in the desperate attempts to stifle and annihilate opposition parties. The PDP also condemned the APC's alleged attempts to manipulate judicial institutions to serve partisan interests and suppress democratic balance.

The PDP's allegations come amid a gale of defections from opposition parties to the APC. Notable figures such as former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Ifeanyi Okowa, who was the PDP's vice presidential candidate in 2023, have defected to the APC. The defections have further shifted the balance of power in the Senate, with the APC now controlling 68 seats, while the PDP's count dropped to 30.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP has accused the APC-led federal government of attempting to stifle democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.
  • The PDP condemned the APC's alleged attempts to manipulate judicial institutions to serve partisan interests and suppress democratic balance.
  • The APC's actions are a sinister plot to turn Nigeria into a one-party totalitarian state, according to the PDP.
  • The PDP condemned the APC's handling of the economy, which has led to worsening economic hardship and extreme poverty in the country.

Statistics:

  • The APC now controls 68 seats in the 109-member Senate, while the PDP's count dropped to 30.
  • The APC has experienced a significant increase in defections, with several members abandoning opposition platforms due to internal divisions and leadership disputes.
  • The PDP has condemned the APC's alleged anti-people policies, including the hike in fuel price, increase in electricity tariff, and multiple taxes and unexplained charges on services.

Sources:

  • "Communique Issued at the end of the 99th Meeting of the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) @OfficialPDPNig Today, Tuesday, May 27, 2025" at Premium Times
  • "PDP accuses APC of attempting to turn Nigeria into one-party state" at Premium Times

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