PDP Condemns Alleged Deal Between APC's Buhari and Western Countries to Repeal Same-Sex Prohibition Act

Strategic Insights -

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has condemned an alleged deal between the All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, and some Western countries to repeal the Same-Sex Prohibition Act and legalize same-sex marriage in Nigeria. According to the PDP, the Western nations made the request as a condition for their support for Buhari's presidential ambition. This move has been met with strong opposition from the PDP, who view it as a betrayal of the Nigerian people's values and culture.

Key Takeaways:

  • The PDP has accused the APC's Buhari of allegedly accepting a proposition from Western countries to repeal the Same-Sex Prohibition Act and legalize same-sex marriage in Nigeria.
  • The Western countries made the request as a condition for their support for Buhari's presidential ambition, which the PDP views as a betrayal of the Nigerian people's values and culture.
  • The PDP has called on Buhari to come clean and deny the allegations, and has threatened to expose the sordid lives of the APC leaders involved in the alleged initiative.
  • President Goodluck Jonathan had in January 2014 signed a bill that criminalized same-sex relationships, defying Western pressure over gay rights and provoking criticism from the United States (U.S.), France, and other Western countries.
  • The bill, which contains penalties of up to 14 years in prison and bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships," and membership of gay rights groups, was passed by the National Assembly in May 2013.
  • The PDP has also accused the APC of planning to air a documentary about the private lives of President Jonathan, the First Lady, and other government officials, which they describe as "baseless and scandalous accusations."

Statistics:

  • 2014: President Jonathan signed a bill that criminalized same-sex relationships.
  • 2013: The National Assembly passed the bill that bans gay marriage, same-sex "amorous relationships," and membership of gay rights groups.
  • 14 years: The maximum penalty for offenses under the Same-Sex Prohibition Act.
  • 2015: The PDP is still condemning the alleged deal between the APC's Buhari and Western countries.

Sources:

  • Femi Fani-Kayode (March 12, 2015), Press Briefing by Femi Fani-Kayode, Media Director, PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation, in Abuja, The Guardian (allAfrica.com)
  • Presidential Campaign Organisation of PDP (no date), Press Release, in Abuja (distributed by AllAfrica Global Media)