The recent Appeal Court decision nullifying the election of Governor Caleb Mutfwang in Plateau State and substituting him with the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate has elicited a strong reaction from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Debo Ologunagba, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, asserted that this judgment is part of a broader strategy to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
Expressing concern over what the PDP perceives as an attempt to eliminate opposition forces through the judicial system, Ologunagba emphasized that recent developments indicated a potential misuse of the judiciary by the ruling APC to achieve their objective.
While awaiting the complete details of the Appeal Court’s decision, he underscored the party’s ongoing efforts to draw attention to what they view as a systematic erosion of democratic institutions.
In a prior warning issued by Ologunagba, the PDP had raised alarms about the current administration’s alleged endeavor to impose a one-party system using both the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the judiciary.
The party contended that there are orchestrated actions within the Presidency aimed at weakening democratic institutions, particularly INEC and the judiciary, to pave the way for a one-party state.
Highlighting their concerns, the PDP pointed to instances of conflicting judgments by electoral courts, especially Election Appeal Court Panels, which they claim contradict constitutional provisions, the Electoral Act, and INEC’s election guidelines.
The party cited specific cases in Plateau, Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, and other states where they allege that victories rightfully belonging to PDP candidates were overturned in favor of APC candidates.
The PDP expressed apprehension that such occurrences pose a serious threat to Nigeria’s democracy, political stability, and national unity. They argued that any interference with the expressed will of the people, as witnessed in recent events, could lead to a political crisis with far-reaching consequences.
In a broader appeal, the PDP called on Nigerians and democracy supporters worldwide to vocally oppose what they perceive as a threat to the nation’s democracy. The party emphasized the need for collective action to defend, protect, and preserve Nigeria’s hard-earned democratic principles in the face of challenges posed by the APC.
IMAGE: Tribune
