By Our Reporter
Ahead of 2027 General Elections, the Lagos State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmen Forum has warned against what it described as the dangerous drift toward a one-party system in the country, urging Nigerians to resist such plot by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
The Forum made the call on Friday at a press conference addressed by its Chairman, Chief Aderounmu Wasiu Adeyemi, saying that a one-party system is fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals as it breeds authoritarianism, suppresses dissent, and ultimately paves the way for dictatorship.
This was just as the Forum also condemned what it termed the severe hardships currently being experienced by citizens under the APC-led administration as well as demolition of Makoko and other riverine communities by the state government without adequate notice, meaningful engagement or sustainable resettlement plans.
The Forum, while condemning the drift towards one-party system, however, noted it was evident that the APC administration had lost direction as, according to it, Nigerians were increasingly politically conscious and understood the urgent need for unity among opposition parties to provide a credible alternative capable of delivering a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Lagos and Nigeria.
"It is evident that the APC administration has lost direction. However, Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and understand the urgent need for unity among opposition parties to provide a credible alternative capable of delivering a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Lagos and Nigeria.
"At this critical juncture, we must sound a clear warning against the dangerous drift toward a one-party system in Nigeria. A one-party system is fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals; it breeds authoritarianism, suppresses dissent, and ultimately paves the way for dictatorship," the Forum said.
The Forum, while strongly condemning the drift towards a one-party system, asserted that Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of pluralism, healthy opposition, and the free contest of ideas, even as it quickly recalled that when the APC was in opposition, the then ruling PDP, as the ruling party never gagged or suppressed opposition voices, but allowed democracy to thrive.
It, therefore, firmly rejected the APC’s emerging one-party logic, declaring pointedly that Nigeria does not belong to any single party, and certainly not an APC country, but a country for "all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation," warning that "any attempt, subtle or overt, to impose political dominance or silence opposition voices is unacceptable and will be resisted within the bounds of democratic engagement."
The Forum also called on the judiciary to uphold its integrity by ensuring the expeditious hearing of the PDP legal matters currently before the Supreme Court.
"Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of pluralism, healthy opposition, and the free contest of ideas. We recall vividly that when the APC was in opposition, the PDP, as the ruling party at the time, never gagged or suppressed opposition voices. Democracy was allowed to thrive.
"Notably, President Bola Tinubu himself moved freely across political platforms from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually into the APC, without intimidation or suppression. That political freedom must not now be denied to others.
"We, therefore, firmly reject the APC’s emerging one-party logic. Nigeria does not belong to any single party, and it certainly is not an APC country. This nation belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.
"Any attempt, subtle or overt, to impose political dominance or silence opposition voices is unacceptable and will be resisted within the bounds of democratic engagement. We also call on the judiciary to uphold its integrity by ensuring the expeditious hearing of the PDP legal matters currently before the Supreme Court," the Forum said.
The Forum, however, affirmed its undiluted loyalty to Dr Amos Fawole led State Exco and Dr. Tanimu Turaki led National Leadership as the duly elected and legitimate authorities of the party.
“We also proudly recognize and align with our national leaders, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Chief Olabode George, whose leadership continues to provide direction, stability, and inspiration for our great party.
"We, therefore, urge all Lagosians to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of these challenges, which have been exacerbated by policies that fail to prioritize the welfare of the people. Be assured that the opposition remains committed to providing purposeful leadership and people-oriented governance at both the state and national levels," it said.
On the hardship facing the citizens, the Forum noted that the APC-led government had, across critical sectors, including: economic stability, security, infrastructure, and public welfare, consistently fallen short of its responsibilities to the people of Lagos State, saying that it was disheartening that many residents now felt alienated in their own land, having been subjected to policies that appeared disconnected from their daily realities and welfare.
"We unequivocally condemn the severe hardships currently being experienced by citizens under the APC-led administration. Across critical sectors including: economic stability, security, infrastructure, and public welfare, this government has consistently fallen short of its responsibilities to the people of Lagos State.
"It is disheartening that many residents now feel alienated in their own land, subjected to policies that appear disconnected from their daily realities and welfare.
"We are particularly alarmed by the inhumane and insensitive demolition of communities such as Makoko, Otumara, and Otto. These actions, carried out without adequate notice, meaningful engagement, or sustainable resettlement plans, have rendered countless families homeless, stripped of their livelihoods, and deprived of their dignity.
"Equally troubling is the inadequate access to quality healthcare, especially in remote and underserved areas of Lagos. This glaring neglect poses serious risks to the most vulnerable populations and is unacceptable for a state widely regarded as the economic hub of Nigeria.
"The worsening security situation further compounds the plight of our people. The recurring loss of young lives due to cult-related violence, kidnappings, and other criminal activities reflects a grave failure of governance and the fundamental duty to safeguard lives and property," it stated.
Post a Comment