The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on Nigerians to use the 2024 Independence Day celebration to reignite their patriotism and defend democracy against what it describes as rising “totalitarianism” under the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.
In a statement issued by the PDP on October 1, the opposition party urged citizens to resist the APC’s alleged attempts to undermine the constitution, suppress democratic institutions, and impose a system that treats Nigerians as subjugated people.
The PDP stressed that Independence Day is not merely about symbolic displays such as military parades or official speeches, but about safeguarding the freedom of citizens to express themselves, pursue legitimate livelihoods, and freely participate in choosing their leaders through fair elections.
The party accused the APC-led government of diminishing Nigeria’s independence by disregarding the rule of law and stifling constitutionally guaranteed rights. According to the PDP, since coming to power, the APC has weakened the principles of democracy through oppressive policies, mismanagement, and corruption.
“The APC continues to erode the essence of Nigeria’s independence with its anti-people programs that have worsened the lives of citizens, depriving them of the opportunity to thrive,” the PDP stated, lamenting the reversal of what it called the developmental strides made under previous PDP administrations.
The PDP also accused the ruling party of returning the nation to “a state of bondage” through oppressive tariffs, taxes, and election manipulation, while neglecting the well-being of the populace. It further claimed that APC leaders act like “lords” in power, ignoring the suffering of ordinary Nigerians.
As the country marks its Independence Day, the PDP called on the APC to urgently review its “anti-people policies,” including the rising fuel prices and the depreciation of the Naira. The opposition party also urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the worsening economic conditions and focus resources on projects that directly impact the lives of Nigerians.
Signed by the PDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Hon. Debo Ologunagba, the statement concluded by urging the government to listen to the concerns of Nigerians and take immediate steps to relieve the country of its hardships. “Nigerians are hurting, and the government must act now to ensure they live as free citizens of an independent nation,” the PDP urged.
