PDP Accuses APC Of Threatening Nigeria’s Democracy Ahead Of 2027 Elections

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of threatening Nigeria’s democracy through alleged political intimidation, attacks on opposition figures and the use of judicial processes to weaken opposition parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The party raised the alarm at a press conference addressed by its Interim National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, SAN, who warned that Nigeria was heading towards a dangerous political situation if urgent steps were not taken to protect democratic institutions.

Turaki said the country was experiencing growing political uncertainty, adding that attacks on opposition members, restrictions on campaign activities and the alleged weaponisation of the judiciary were threatening the survival of multiparty democracy.

He cited reported attacks on supporters of Peter Obi and the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), as well as attempts to disrupt campaign activities involving former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The PDP chairman also mentioned the reported attack on activist Omoyele Sowore in Ekiti State, alleging that opposition figures and their supporters were increasingly facing intimidation.

According to him, the ruling APC was using political tactics and judicial interventions to weaken opposition parties and create uncertainty around their participation in the electoral process.

The party also expressed concern over declining public confidence in the electoral system, citing findings from the National Voting Intentions Survey (NVIS 3.0), released on October 7, 2026.

According to the survey figures presented by the PDP, 84 per cent of Nigerians said they were likely to vote in the next election, while 61 per cent expressed concern that violence could prevent them from participating.

The party further disclosed that only 34 per cent of respondents expressed confidence in INEC’s ability to conduct credible elections, representing a decline from 45 per cent in the previous two survey rounds.

It added that 63 per cent of respondents lacked confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resolve electoral disputes fairly, with the figure rising to 81 per cent in the South-South.

Turaki warned that the figures reflected growing public anxiety about the country’s democratic process and called on President Bola Tinubu, INEC and security agencies to take immediate action.

The PDP outlined five demands, including the investigation and prosecution of individuals involved in attacks on opposition candidates and supporters, irrespective of their political affiliations.

It also called on security agencies to publish a comprehensive security plan for the 2027 elections, while urging governments at all levels to stop denying opposition parties access to public facilities for their campaigns.

Other demands included addressing discrepancies and alleged false entries in the voters’ register and ensuring that the judiciary delivers justice based on the law rather than the wishes of political actors.

The party warned that Nigeria could face a serious democratic crisis if the concerns were not addressed before the next general elections.

It urged Nigerians to remain committed to defending democracy, insisting that the 2027 elections should provide an opportunity for citizens to choose leaders capable of addressing the country’s challenges.