The Acting National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Umar Illiya Damagum, held a press conference on Thursday at the PDP National Secretariat in Abuja, expressing grave concerns over what the party perceives as a calculated attempt by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to subvert Nigeria’s democracy.
In a strongly-worded address to the media, Damagum accused the APC of orchestrating a plan to undermine democratic rights, suppress the Rule of Law, and transform the nation into a fiefdom controlled by a cabal.
The PDP, on Wednesday, had raised an alarm about the country’s purported descent into totalitarianism, attributing the situation to the activities of a cabal within the Presidency. Damagum emphasized the alleged efforts to weaken democratic institutions, particularly the judiciary, with the aim of overturning the expressed will of the Nigerian people in various election matters.
The Acting National Chairman highlighted specific instances in Zamfara, Sokoto, Kebbi, Nasarawa, Delta, Ogun, and other states where the PDP claims the APC has manipulated Electoral Petition Courts to reverse election outcomes in favor of defeated APC candidates.
A major point of concern for the PDP is the Plateau State Election Appeal Court Panel, which the party alleges has delivered biased and inconsistent judgments against them. Damagum revealed that the PDP had previously addressed the media on November 1, 2023, detailing conflicting judicial pronouncements that could alter the will of the people in the 2023 National Assembly Elections in Plateau State.
The PDP accused the Plateau State Election Appeal Court Panel of issuing contradictory judgments on election appeals with the same subject matter, facts, circumstances, and applicable laws, all allegedly in favor of the APC. Damagum described the judgments as a potential recipe for anarchy and chaos in the already tense Plateau State.
Despite demands by the PDP and the people of Plateau State for the disbandment of the allegedly compromised panel, Damagum expressed dismay that none of their concerns had been addressed. He urged the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) and the President of the Court of Appeal to intervene, insulate the courts from alleged external influences, and restore confidence in the judiciary.
The PDP called for the immediate disbandment of the present Plateau State Election Appeal Court Panel, the constitution of a new appeal panel, and a judicial review of the bias judgments. Damagum warned that the continued stay of the panel could lead to a crisis in Plateau State and damage the image of the judiciary.
Damagum called on all well-meaning Nigerians, civil society organizations, the media, and democracy advocates worldwide to join hands in defending the integrity of the judicial system and preventing a potential crisis in the country.
The PDP vowed not to relent in its efforts to protect democracy, uphold the will of the people, and maintain the integrity of the judiciary in handling electoral matters.
