The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria, HURIWA, has expressed concern over the internal crisis plaguing Nigeria’s two major opposition parties – the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the Labour Party, LP.
HURIWA said the ruling All Progressives Congress APC, is allegedly behind the turmoil as part of a strategic effort to weaken political opposition and gradually implement an authoritarian regime similar to the communist governance structure in China.
In a statement released by the rights group, signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted the destabilization efforts it believes are orchestrated by the APC.
The group suggested that the ruling party is deliberately sowing discord within the PDP and Labour Party to consolidate its grip on power.
The group drew a parallel between the biblical story of the ‘hand of Esau and the voice of Jacob,’ alleging that the APC is working behind the scenes to sabotage internal democracy within these opposition parties while appearing uninvolved.
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HURIWA cited the recent political upheavals within the PDP as a direct result of the APC’s clandestine interference. A key example, the group noted, was the appointment of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, a prominent PDP figure, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The association alleged that Wike’s appointment is part of a broader scheme to destabilize the PDP from within, as his loyalty to the opposition party is now in question, given his collaboration with the APC-led administration.
The group pointed to the refusal of the party’s national chairman, Julius Abure, to vacate his position as the National Chairman of Labour Party after his tenure had reportedly expired, as evidence of a seeming interference from the ruling APC.
HURIWA believes that Abure’s continued hold on power, despite legal and constitutional challenges, is being propped up by external forces, particularly the executive arm of the government.
The association claimed that the APC’s apparent support for Abure is designed to cripple the Labour Party and weaken the political influence of its key leader, Peter Obi, who emerged as a significant challenger during the 2023 general elections.
“The APC is using Julius Abure to stifle the Labour Party’s ability to function effectively as a credible opposition,” HURIWA asserted.
“By destabilizing the Labour Party from within, the APC is ensuring that the party does not pose any significant threat in future elections, particularly as Peter Obi continues to gain widespread support.”
The rights group further condemned what it described as the APC’s deliberate implementation of stifling economic policies designed to impoverish Nigerians and render them dependent on government palliatives.
“This administration’s economic policies are suffocating the Nigerian people, weaponizing poverty to ensure that millions remain poor and dependent on government handouts,” HURIWA stated.
“It is as if the APC is trying to create a communist-style system where citizens are completely reliant on the state, much like what is seen in China.”
