The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on the previous day, criticized the All Progressives Congress (APC) for tarnishing the democratic principles, legacies, and values that the late Chief MKO Abiola worked hard for and eventually died for.
In a statement, the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, called on Nigerians to utilize this year’s Democracy Day celebration as an opportunity to denounce the alleged anti-democratic practices of the APC.
The statement highlighted the distressing observation that the nation is marking Democracy Day under a system that indulges in blatant violations of the Constitution, election manipulation, suppression of opposition, stifling of dissenting voices, and undermining democratic institutions in a desperate attempt to transform Nigeria into a one-party State.
Furthermore, the PDP expressed concern that the advancements and achievements made by previous PDP administrations in fostering democratic practices in Nigeria have been reversed by the APC administrations.
The statement reminisced about the PDP’s era from the return of Democracy in 1999 to 2015, which was characterized by the expansion of democratic practices, free and fair elections, adherence to the Rule of Law and Principle of Separation of Powers, and economic growth that positioned Nigeria as a preferred foreign investment destination globally.
Democracy embodies the supremacy of the Will of the people, the Rule of Law, and the pursuit of the security and welfare of citizens. The PDP criticized the APC for disregarding public opinion, imposing multiple taxes, depleting the treasury for personal gain, and subjecting Nigerians to a life of fear, uncertainty, and poverty.
The party lamented that instead of celebrating freedom and good governance, Nigerians are grappling with exploitative policies and programs by the APC that have exacerbated poverty in the country. The recent increase in fuel prices and electricity tariffs without corresponding welfare policies further exemplifies the anti-people stance of the APC.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar stated that the nine-year APC administration has brought extreme hardship and heightened insecurity to the country. He emphasized that the opposition’s inability to unite poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s democracy.
Atiku underscored the importance of opposition parties forming a coalition to provide good governance that aligns with the aspirations of Nigerians. He also highlighted the significance of commemorating June 12 as Democracy Day to honor the sacrifices made by patriots like MKO Abiola, Kudirat Abiola, Shehu Yar’Adua, and Alfred Rewane in the struggle for democracy in Nigeria.
Atiku praised the continuous electoral politics in Nigeria over the past 25 years and called for all stakeholders to play their part in ensuring the sustainability of democracy in the country.
