Julius Abure, National Chairman of the Labour Party (LP), bemoaned the outcome of the most recent presidential election, which demonstrated Nigeria’s drift towards autocracy.
As he said it, Abure accused the Federal Government under President Bola Tinubu of trying to stifle its nominee for president, Peter Obi.
He pointed out that the Supreme Court’s ruling on the presidential election demonstrated how the administration had control over the legislature and the courts.
In a brief period of time, he emphasised, Nigerians have forgotten the teachings taught by their ancestors.
But there are important lessons to be learned, according to a statement partially attributed to Abure. The events that have occurred in Nigeria following the presidential election on February 25 demonstrate unequivocally that our institutions are broken and that a dictatorship may be on the horizon. The legislative and the courts have been completely overtaken by the executive branch. This is really regrettable for Nigerian citizens as well as for our democracy.
“The unbridled ambition of a few people has destroyed everything our forefathers taught us in a short amount of time.” To secure the nation’s independence, the founding fathers gave their lives in battle. Many have fought for years to bring about election and constitutional reforms, and many have given their lives in the fight to preserve our democracy. Sadly, today all of these battles and sacrifices have been for nothing.
It is also important to note that we have very solid information to suggest that the government may have singled out some of the leading figures in the Labour Party, including myself and our leader and presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, for demonization in an effort to undermine the party, our team, and our vision of a new Nigeria. Our leaders will undoubtedly be protected from the intended use of security agencies and other government institutions for their persecution, intimidation, repression, and harassment.
The fight for a New Nigeria would undoubtedly be difficult and torturous, Abure emphasised, urging LP members and the Obidient family to remain watchful and prepare for the difficulties that lie ahead.
