Nigeria bigger than anybody’s ambition - PDP tells Tinubu

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has cautioned President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action to curb rising political tension and violence ahead of the 2027 general elections. The party's National Chairman, Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, warned that no political ambition should jeopardize Nigeria's survival. At a press conference in Abuja, Turaki highlighted issues such as attacks on opposition politicians, voter intimidation, and declining confidence in electoral institutions, which could undermine the credibility of the 2027 elections.

He cited the APC's efforts to hinder opposition parties' operations through attacks, intimidation, and legal actions, emphasizing that Nigeria's past has shown that weakening opposition parties and manipulating elections can lead to instability. Turaki stressed that Nigeria is greater than any individual's ambition and that the country must remain stable for anyone, whether they aspire to be a president, governor, member of the National Assembly, or a local councillor, to succeed.

The PDP survey revealed that 84% of Nigerians are willing to vote, but 61% fear election violence, while only 34% trust the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and 63% have little confidence in the judiciary to resolve electoral disputes fairly. Turaki accused individuals linked to the APC of some attacks on opposition supporters in Delta, Sokoto, and Ekiti States, alleging politically motivated court cases against opposition parties.

He also expressed concern over threats from public officials to displace voters who refused to support the ruling party. Turaki urged Tinubu to condemn political violence, ensure those accused of attacking opposition politicians and their supporters are investigated and prosecuted, and requested that security agencies make their election security plans public.

The PDP also demanded equal access to public facilities for opposition parties' campaigns and called for INEC to correct alleged errors in the voters' register and for the judiciary to remain independent and impartial.