In a message to mark the day, observed on September 15, Tinubu said this year’s theme, “Bring Human Rights into Focus,” highlights the need for human rights to remain central to democratic governance.

She noted that Nigeria has recorded significant progress 65 years after independence and more than 25 years of uninterrupted democratic rule, citing stronger institutions, peaceful transitions of power and increased citizen participation in governance.

Tinubu urged Nigerians to continue working together to strengthen democracy and ensure that it serves the interests of all citizens while promoting a more peaceful and prosperous nation.

Obi made the remarks in Bauchi State at the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation’s Democracy Dialogue, themed “Beyond Elections: Can Political Parties and the Judiciary Save African Democracy?”

The former Anambra State governor said the state of democratic institutions in Nigeria had become so concerning that the country was approaching a point where it might no longer be able to meaningfully claim that democracy exists.

Obi recalled his legal battle over the Anambra governorship election, saying the judiciary at the time demonstrated the independence expected of an arm of government by upholding the law and restoring what he described as the will of the people.

He said, “That was democracy at work.”

However, Obi expressed concern that the situation had changed, noting that people accused of violating the law were often the first to tell their opponents to “go to court.”

He also criticised the electoral management system, alleging that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) was increasingly accused of enabling electoral malpractice and the emergence of individuals who were either unqualified or lacked the mandate of the people.

Obi further raised concerns about changes to electoral laws, the conduct of some legal practitioners and religious leaders, as well as allegations concerning the judiciary.

He said, “When the very institutions established to protect democracy begin to accommodate its destruction, we must stop pretending that everything is normal.”

The NDC presidential candidate called for sober reflection and honest national dialogue to address what he described as institutional decay threatening Nigeria’s democratic system.

Obi urged Nigerians to examine the country’s democratic journey and take steps to reverse the trend, stressing that the survival of the nation depended on rebuilding institutions and restoring public confidence.

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.