A faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Thursday staged a peaceful protest in Abuja, calling on the international community to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from what it described as an emerging one-party system.
The demonstrators converged on the United States Embassy before proceeding to the European Union (EU) complex and the Federal Ministry of Justice, where they submitted protest letters highlighting their concerns over alleged political intimidation and threats to multiparty democracy.
Holding placards with inscriptions such as “Save Nigeria’s Democracy” and “Stop Intimidation of Opposition,” the protesters urged foreign partners and local authorities to intervene and ensure the independence of democratic institutions, especially the judiciary.
One of the leaders of the protest said, “We are here to draw the attention of the international community to the growing intolerance against opposition voices. Nigeria’s democracy is under siege, and urgent action is needed to prevent the country from sliding into a one-party state.”
The group maintained that recent political developments, particularly the alleged clampdown on opposition members and internal party struggles, pose a significant threat to democratic stability.
They further appealed to the Minister of Justice to uphold the rule of law and protect citizens’ political rights regardless of party affiliation.
“We want the international community to know that democracy in Nigeria is facing its toughest test. The voices of the opposition must not be silenced,” another protester said.
