Civil society organisations, opposition political parties and religious leaders should unite to avert moves by the ruling All Progressives Congress to make Nigeria a one-party state.
The senatorial candidate of the African Democratic Congress, ADC, for Enugu-East Senatorial District in the 2027 general elections, Mr Afam Ogbodo, stated this in Enugu on Wednesday during a political programme hosted by Enugu-based Dream FM.
He was reacting to the recent ruling of Justice Peter Lifu of the Federal High Court, Abuja, which deregistered ADC and four other political parties. The Appeal Court, Tuesday, had overruled Lifu’s verdict on the grounds that the matter was before it for determination.
Ogbodo said, “The struggle should not be left for opposition political parties alone. Civil society organisations, religious leaders and pro-democracy Nigerians should join hands to preserve our common democracy.”
He said he was disappointed in President Bola Tinubu for allegedly working against any opposition to his government, attributing it to old age. “We expected it, but we are however disappointed in President Tinubu. He championed the opposition during NADECO and struggles against the military, but under his watch, Nigeria is being made a one-party state. The story of leaders trying to turn Nigeria to a one-party state is known. God has power in the affairs of man.”
He acknowledged that ADC’s deregistration had dampened the mood of the party faithful “because the ruling came the same day the party’s presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, unveiled his running mate”.
He however expressed hope in the judiciary following the stay of the execution of the order by the Appeal Court on Tuesday.
He described the ruling of Justice Peter Lifu as “kangaroo”, and alleged that the APC-led federal government is orchestrating the matter.
In his words, “ADC is a good party, and that is why they are pursuing us. If the judgement is allowed to stand, it will weaken the opposition. Some people want only APC to be on the ballot paper. A true democracy requires a viable opposition. They know that the ruling party is not doing well.”
He admitted that political parties could be deregistered, adding, however, that ADC is not in the category the court anchored its judgement.
“ADC won two seats in the House of Representatives. There are other political parties that have no even an office, yet they were not deregistered. ADC’s case is that those elected on its platform defected to other parties. The battle is between the High Court and the Appeal Court, and not even the political parties. Only Justice Lifu knows why he did what he did. The judgement is making us stronger.”
(The Whistler)
