Democracy Under Threat: SMBLF Warns APC, INEC Against Undermining Opposition Parties

Abuja, Nigeria – The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has cautioned the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) against undermining opposition political parties through intimidation, inducement, infiltration, or other underhand tactics, warning that democracy thrives only with pluralism and a vibrant opposition.

In a strongly-worded statement, the forum expressed concern over the internal crises, factional disputes, and disarray plaguing several opposition parties, stating that such instability threatens Nigeria’s democratic foundation.

Key Concerns & Calls to Action

1. Warning to the APC

The SMBLF warned the ruling party against suppressing dissent, stating:
“No ruling party should forget that a political culture which actively sabotages dissent will breed instability, disillusionment, and resistance from the citizenry.”

2. Demand for INEC’s Impartiality

The forum reminded INEC of its constitutional duty to remain neutral, urging:

• Transparent resolution of intra-party disputes in line with the Electoral Act.

• Real-time transmission of election results to prevent credibility issues.
  “A democracy without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only. And a democracy where the umpire is compromised is one headed for collapse,” the leaders stated.

Reactions from Stakeholders

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Backs SMBLF

Reactions from Stakeholders

Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) Backs SMBLF

Prof. Tukur Baba, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, said:
“Opposition is an essential ingredient of the democratic process… INEC must ensure neutrality to enhance electoral credibility.”

Labour Party (LP) Blames APC for Crisis

Ken Asogwa, Senior Special Adviser to LP’s Acting National Chairman, accused the APC of engineering opposition crises:
“The APC-led government has continued to prop up a man whose tenure the Supreme Court declared illegitimate.”

Atiku Calls for Opposition Unity

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar urged opposition parties to unite ahead of 2027, with his media adviser, Paul Ibe, stating:
“Unless you have a united opposition, it will be difficult to oust the APC.”

PDP Claims Opposition is Reorganizing

Timothy Osadolor, PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, said:
“Opposition parties are now crossing their T’s and dotting their I’s… The goal is to end bad governance by 2027.”

CUPP Accuses INEC of Bias

Chief Peter Ameh, CUPP National Secretary, alleged external interference in opposition crises:

“INEC’s inaction on the Labour Party leadership tussle is an affront to democracy.”

Conclusion

The SMBLF reiterated its commitment to protecting Nigeria’s democracy, urging opposition parties to prioritize national interest over personal ambitions.

At press time, INEC and the APC had not responded to the forum’s statement.