PDP Accuses Tinubu Government of Authoritarianism, Warns Against Threats to 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing Nigeria’s alleged classification as a fully authoritarian regime in a recent global assessment as a reflection of what it called the deteriorating state of democracy in the country.

The PDP made the position known in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Comrade Ini Ememobong.

The party said the report by the Human Rights Foundation, published on its Tyranny Tracker platform, highlighted concerns over Nigeria’s electoral process, protection of dissent, democratic safeguards and checks and balances on the executive.

According to the PDP, the assessment identified several indicators it associated with authoritarian rule, including weak institutional checks, restrictions on freedom of speech, targeting of opposition and shortcomings in electoral processes.

The opposition party said the findings were consistent with what it described as the experiences of Nigerians under the current administration.

The PDP cited recent criticism of government officials over media attacks against Catholic clerics and institutions, including Cardinal John Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria, as an example of what it described as shrinking space for free expression.

The party also accused the National Assembly of failing to provide effective oversight of the executive, alleging that lawmakers had not sufficiently challenged government actions it considered inconsistent with constitutional provisions.

The PDP further raised concerns about the 2027 general elections, alleging that political developments could undermine the credibility of the electoral process.

It called on the Tinubu administration to take immediate steps to reduce political tensions and ensure that the opposition is allowed to operate freely ahead of the elections.

The party also alleged the “weaponisation” of security agencies against political opponents and accused the electoral umpire of showing increasing signs of partisanship, while urging an end to what it described as inflammatory political rhetoric.

According to the PDP, the 2027 presidential election represents two simultaneous contests the battle for the presidency and the preservation of the country’s democratic stability.

“The President must realise that there are two contests embedded in the 2027 Presidential elections the presidency and the country,” the party said, warning that an attempt to win the presidency at all costs could have consequences for the country.

The PDP urged Nigerians to continue demanding accountability from political leaders at all levels, describing accountability as a fundamental requirement of democracy.