- PDP accuses a Presidency cabal of manipulating judicial decisions to favor APC, claiming a plot to undermine Nigeria’s democracy
- Acting National Chairman Umar Damagum cites alleged efforts to weaken opposition, establish one-party rule, and calls for judicial intervention
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), the main opposition party in Nigeria, has raised an alarm, accusing a cabal in the Presidency of attempting to undermine the nation’s democracy by manipulating judicial decisions in favor of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Acting National Chairman of the PDP, Amb. Umar Damagum, expressed these concerns during a press conference at the party headquarters. Damagum claimed there is an ongoing plot by the APC to “cripple democracy, overthrow the democratic rights of Nigerians, suppress the Rule of Law, and downgrade our nation to a fiefdom run by the whims of a cabal.”
He highlighted the alleged efforts to weaken opposition parties and establish an oppressive one-party system systematically. Damagum cited instances in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Delta, Ogun, and other states where election petition and appeal panels were allegedly used to overturn PDP victories.
Of particular concern was the Plateau State Election Appeal Court Panel, which the PDP accused of bias and contradictory judgments. Damagum called on the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal to intervene, insulating the courts from alleged external influence.
The PDP urged the CJN and the President of the Court of Appeal to disband the current Plateau State Election Appeal Court Panel, establish a new appeal panel, and subject biased judgments to judicial review to restore confidence in the judiciary.
Damagum emphasized the need for well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, the media, and democracy advocates worldwide to speak out against these alleged attempts to compromise the integrity of the judicial system and prevent a crisis in the country.
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