The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to address escalating political tensions and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections, warning that no individual’s political ambition should threaten the survival of the nation. The party’s National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, stated that attacks on opposition figures and voter intimidation are undermining the credibility of upcoming polls.
Turaki made the remarks on Sunday during a press conference in Abuja, where he presented a statement titled “The Country Is Boiling; Can We Reduce the Temperature?” He accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of hindering the free operation of opposition parties through physical attacks, intimidation, and the use of court cases to weaken political competition. “Nigeria's past has shown that weakening opposition parties and manipulating elections can create political tension and eventually lead to instability,” Turaki said.
“Nigeria is bigger than anybody and the ambition of any individual. We must appreciate that this country must survive for you to become whatever you want to become,” Turaki stated. “Whether you want to be a president, a governor, a member of the National Assembly or an ordinary councillor in your ward, you must have a country first.”
During the briefing, Turaki cited survey data indicating that while 84 percent of Nigerians are willing to vote, 61 percent fear that election violence may prevent them from reaching polling stations. Confidence in electoral institutions remains low, with only 34 percent of respondents expressing trust in the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 63 percent having little or no confidence in the judiciary’s ability to resolve electoral disputes fairly.
The PDP chairman specifically referenced alleged attacks on supporters of Peter Obi, the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Atiku Abubakar’s campaign, and activist Omoyele Sowore in Delta, Sokoto, and Ekiti States. He accused individuals linked to the APC of being behind these incidents and noted that opposition parties are facing intimidation and politically motivated legal actions. Turaki also expressed concern over alleged threats by public officials to displace voters who refuse to support the ruling party, describing such actions as a violation of citizens' rights to freely choose their leaders.
In a historical comparison, Turaki contrasted former President Goodluck Jonathan’s pledge that his ambition was not worth any Nigerian’s blood with former President Muhammadu Buhari’s pre-2015 election warnings and President Tinubu’s reported remarks that elections were not a “tea party” and that victory must be “grabbed, snatched and run with.” Turaki warned that while an election might be won through intimidation, it could result in the loss of public trust and support.
The PDP has called on President Tinubu to publicly condemn political violence and ensure that those accused of attacking opposition politicians are investigated and prosecuted where evidence supports their involvement. Additionally, the party demanded that security agencies publish their election security plans, that governments grant opposition parties equal access to public facilities for campaigning, that INEC correct alleged errors in the voters’ register, and that the judiciary remain independent from executive interference.
<small>Source: Daily Post Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
