Tinubu Turning Nigeria Into Authoritarian State, Warns Against 2027 Election Manipulation – PDP

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The Interim National Working Committee (INWC) of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led administration of pushing Nigeria deeper into authoritarianism, citing what it described as the erosion of democratic safeguards, suppression of dissent and weakening of institutional checks on executive power.

The party was reacting to a report attributed to the Human Rights Foundation, which reportedly classified Nigeria as a “fully authoritarian” regime in its latest global assessment published on the foundation’s Tyranny Tracker platform.

In a statement signed on Saturday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP said the assessment merely confirmed what Nigerians were already experiencing under the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government.

According to the party, the report highlighted concerns around Nigeria’s electoral process, protection of dissent, democratic safeguards and the effectiveness of institutional checks and balances.

The PDP argued that the indicators cited in the assessment—including restrictions on freedom of expression, targeting of opposition figures, weak electoral processes and the concentration of power—were increasingly evident in Nigeria.

It cited the recent controversy involving Catholic cleric Cardinal John Onaiyekan and criticism directed at the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria and the Catholic Church by officials of the administration as an example of what it described as an increasingly hostile environment for dissenting voices.

The party questioned the administration’s response to criticism of its policies, arguing that Nigerians should be free to express concerns over the worsening economic and social conditions in the country without intimidation or official attacks.

The PDP also accused the National Assembly of failing to provide effective oversight of the executive arm of government.

It alleged that the legislature had not adequately challenged what it described as failures in the implementation of appropriations and other constitutional responsibilities, arguing that a parliament unable to exercise effective oversight could not provide the necessary checks and balances required in a democracy.

The party further raised concerns about the 2027 general elections, alleging that the political environment was being shaped in a manner that could undermine the credibility of the polls and prevent the electorate from freely determining their leaders.

It therefore called on the Tinubu administration to take immediate steps to reduce political tensions and halt what it described as the “asphyxiation” of opposition parties.

The PDP also alleged the weaponisation of security agencies against political opponents and expressed concern over what it called increasing signs of partisanship within the electoral process.

The party equally urged President Tinubu and his political associates to moderate their rhetoric, warning that excessive focus on securing electoral victory could have consequences for the stability of the country.

“The President must realise that there are two contests embedded in the 2027 Presidential elections—the presidency and the country.

“An attempt to focus on winning the former at all costs may result in the loss of the latter; and only a free, fair, credible and peaceful contest can guarantee a win for both coveted prizes,” the PDP said.

The opposition party called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and continue demanding accountability from elected leaders at all levels, describing accountability as a fundamental requirement of democratic governance.