APM demands sanctions against persons undermining democracy

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) has urged major international organizations like the United Nations, European Union, African Union, Commonwealth, United States, United Kingdom, and others to implement stronger diplomatic actions against entities that undermine democracy in Nigeria, safeguarding democratic institutions and human rights.

The opposition group also appealed to Nigerians, civil society organizations, opposition parties, the media, and other democratic entities to unite against an increasing "authoritarian influence under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s All Progressives Congress (APC) administration."

A statement from the APM's National Publicity Secretary, Abubakar Yusuf, revealed the group's call followed a report on the Human Rights Foundation (HRF) Tyranny Tracker platform, which declared Nigeria a full authoritarian state under the current administration. The opposition party noted that the report substantiates their claim that Nigeria's constitutional democracy and democratic institutions have been dominated by executive authoritarianism.

They also highlighted that security, anti-corruption agencies, and courts have transformed into weapons against opposition parties and dissenting voices, leaving citizens feeling despondent and fearful of the governing body.

The APM emphasized that under the APC administration, authorities persist in limiting opposition parties, utilizing security forces to intimidate, harass, detain, and prosecute opposition leaders with fabricated allegations while denying them access to venues for political mobilization. The party further alleged that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), headed by Josiah Amupitan, engages in "undue interference in opposition parties' internal affairs and refusal to follow court orders that benefit such parties."

Currently, many Nigerians have lost trust in INEC's integrity to hold fair elections in 2027, reflecting the people's will.

Moreover, the APM expressed concern that the current Nigerian situation, if not addressed, could result in a "crisis of monumental proportion capable of undermining our nation's democracy." In response to this worrying scenario, the APM urged the international community to take concrete steps to protect democracy in Nigeria, including "the possibility of imposing diplomatic sanctions, including visa bans, asset freezing, and other stringent measures against Nigerian officials who are undermining democracy in our country."