The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, has accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of weakening democratic institutions and pushing Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.
The opposition party made the allegation on Saturday in a statement issued by its National Publicity Secretary of the Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, following a report by the Human Rights Foundation.
The PDP said the report, which assessed political and democratic conditions in different countries, reflected what it described as the current state of affairs in Nigeria under the All Progressives Congress-led Federal Government.
According to the party, the assessment pointed to problems involving elections, freedom of expression, institutional checks and balances, and the treatment of political opposition.
The PDP argued that several developments in the country had raised concerns about the strength of democratic institutions and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The party also referred to recent criticism involving Catholic leaders and government officials, saying the reaction to comments by Cardinal John Onaiyekan showed what it described as growing intolerance of opposing views.
It further accused the National Assembly of failing to provide effective oversight of the executive arm of government.
The PDP questioned the ability of the legislature to properly check the executive when issues involving government spending, constitutional rules and legislative procedures allegedly receive little scrutiny.
The opposition party also raised concerns about the 2027 general elections, claiming that actions by the government and its supporters could undermine the credibility of the polls.
It accused the administration of putting pressure on opposition groups and alleged that security agencies were being used against individuals considered political opponents.
The PDP also expressed concern about what it described as increasing political involvement by electoral institutions and the use of harsh political language ahead of the 2027 elections.
The party called on the Tinubu administration to reduce political tensions and take steps that would protect Nigeria’s democratic system.
It said the government should allow opposition parties to operate freely, respect democratic institutions and ensure that security agencies remain professional and neutral.
The PDP also urged the government to support conditions that would allow Nigerians to freely choose their leaders during the 2027 elections.
The opposition party warned that the presidential contest should not be treated only as a struggle for political power, arguing that the stability and future of Nigeria were also at stake.
It called for the 2027 elections to be free, fair, credible and peaceful,