Olu Samuel
A civil society organisation, Alliance for Democratic Rights, ADR, has urged the members of the Council of State to advise President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to draw from their personal experiences in office by upholding democratic values and safeguard the nation’s democracy.
In a statement issued in on Sunday, ADR’s National President, Mr. Andy O. Chucks, and National Secretary, Mallam Suleiman Funtua, said it had become imperative for the Council, which comprises former Heads of State as well as the past and present Chief Justices of Nigeria, to prevail on President Tinubu to halt his alleged interferences in the crisis plaguing the opposition political parties.
According to the group, the actions and utterances of President Tinubu points clearly to subterranean interests in the activities of other opposition political parties with the hope of stifling them ahead of future elections.
The ADR noted that the chaotic situations in the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) have become disturbing and if not checked might lead to serious political tensions.
Today, not a few Nigerians perceive the crisis in these parties as being instigated from the Presidency, the denials not withstanding.
“As former presidents and heads of state, you are endowed with enormous experiences to guide President Tinubu and halt alleged perceived interferences in the Judiciary.”
According to the ADR, the Presidency and sections of the Judiciary must steer off the internal affairs of political parties to avert a breakdown of law and order.
The meddling in the affairs of political parties is gradually destroying the rights of citizens to multiparty democracy in the country,” the statement read.
ADR argued that Nigerian laws are clear on the administration of political parties, but lamented that the Judiciary often usurps the power of running political parties.
The ADR stressed that Courts lack complete jurisdiction over political party affairs, yet look at what is happening,” Chucks added.
The group further stated that the actions of INEC under Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan as well as the Judiciary are becoming a concern to many Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general elections.
So far, it seems they are going to derail our democracy, the statement warned.
It’s time for prominent Nigerians to intervene. It is very necessary. Democracy cannot thrive without a viable and stable opposition party. It was clear to all Nigerians how the Judiciary destroyed the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and is now doing the same to the ADC. Section 83 of the Electoral Act clearly states that the internal affairs of a political party are its own business and that courts should not meddle in such matters. So, it’s time every leader of conscience to speak up,” Chucks said.
He added: “It should be clear that the quest for a one-party system cannot augur well for this country. Nigerians are going to resist it. Therefore, patriotic leaders must speak up now, before it is too late.
We are afraid. The silence of the Council of State is becoming a concern to many Nigerians at this time of ongoing tension in the country. They should speak up and save democracy now,” Chucks added.
ADR warned that continued interference in party matters erodes internal democracy and sets a dangerous precedent ahead of the 2027 general elections.