In a public statement issued on Tuesday, June 11, 2024 to commemorate Nigeria’s Democracy Day, the opposition party sharply criticized political leader Tinubu for what it sees as an attack on democratic principles, legacies and the values for which the late Chief Moshood Abiola fought.
Signed by the party’s National Communications Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, the statement singled out the ruling party, the APC, for having, according to them, undermined the democratic principles, gains and advances made by the previous administrations of the PDP, particularly in terms of respect for the Constitution, the fight against electoral fraud and the protection of citizens’ rights.
The opposition party calls on the Nigerian people to seize this occasion of Democracy Day to denounce the anti-democratic tendencies of the APC, which they accuse of suffocating the country, causing suffering, stifling the will and the rights of citizens, and to seek to establish a totalitarian system in the country.
While denouncing what they consider to be a democratic retreat orchestrated by the ruling party, the PDP highlights the progress made under previous governments in terms of liberalizing the economy and improving the living conditions of Nigerians in through privatization and commercialization policies.
More so, the PDP deplores the fact that democratic ideals, such as the rule of law and the welfare of citizens, have been completely flouted by the APC administrations, resulting in a situation where, instead of celebrating the freedom and good governance as desired by Chief MKO Abiola, Nigerians are suffering from the policies, considered exploitative and poorly implemented, of the ruling party which are said to have exacerbated poverty in the country.
The statement raises key questions about the country’s democratic health and highlights deep disagreements between political parties over the best path forward to ensure respect for democratic principles and the well-being of citizens. As Nigeria celebrates its Democracy Day, these critics highlight the critical importance of vigilance and defense of democratic values to ensure a just and prosperous future for all Nigerians.