Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has accused the Bola Tinubu-led administration of deliberately orchestrating internal crises in opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party, the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and other political formations.
Obi linked these crises to the ongoing security threats in the country, particularly in the northern region, arguing that the destabilization was created to prevent the opposition from uniting in critical moments.
The former Anambra governor’s comments come in the wake of back-to-back attacks recorded this week, including the abduction of 25 students from Government Girls’ Secondary School in Maga, Kebbi State, and the killing of several worshippers in Kwara State.
In his statement issued on Wednesday, Obi compared the Tinubu-led administration with that of the late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, noting that the former leader prioritized the stability of all political parties, regardless of which party he belonged to.
He said the current administration, by contrast, seems intent on weakening parties rather than strengthening Nigeria’s democracy.
According to him, “A few weeks ago, when President Trump described our country as “now disgraced,” many were outraged. Yet, how can we dispute it when, within a single week, 25 people were kidnapped, and one of our generals along with other officers was killed? Today, we witness another troubling terror attack in Kwara State. Rather than uniting in this critical moment, we are consumed by internal wrangling, party squabbles, and distractions.
“Look closely at what is happening in the PDP, the Labour Party, SDP, and other political formations—crises deliberately orchestrated by a government that should be embracing everyone so we can unite in this troubling period.
“I am reminded of a pivotal moment under President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. During an internal crisis in my then-political party, he instructed the INEC Chairman, Professor Maurice Iwu, that the stability of every political party not just the ruling party, was essential for democracy. No party was to be undermined; all were to function within the law.
“What we witness today is the opposite. The current government seems more intent on weakening parties than strengthening our democracy—seeking to fragment the PDP, Labour Party, SDP, and others. In democratic nations, opposition is respected, elections reflect the will of the people, and governance involves carrying everyone along for peace and prosperity.
