COPDEM National Youth Leader Mr Akor Christian Oche otherwise known as Due Process was alarmed by the growing spare of violence at political rallies where lives and properties are lost to alleged state sponsored thuggery. He noted that a democracy that cannot protect its opposition is gradually surrendering its democratic credentials. The freedom to associate, organise, criticise government and participate in political activities without fear of intimidation or violence is not a favour from those in power; it is a fundamental constitutional right.
The growing reports of attacks on opposition parties and their supporters across Nigeria should worry every genuine democrat. From Delta to Cross River, Benue, Kaduna, Kano, Gombe, the Federal Capital Territory and now Lagos, the recurring incidents of political violence raise serious questions about the government’s commitment to protecting democratic participation.
The Coalition for the Protection of Democracy (COPDEM) has consequently called on the National Assembly to initiate impeachment proceedings against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, citing what it describes as his failure to protect freedom of association, peaceful coexistence and the constitutional rights of opposition parties.
This is a serious demand, and it deserves serious national attention.
The fundamental question is simple: What happens to democracy when political opponents cannot freely assemble, campaign, mobilise or express their political convictions without fear of attack?
The responsibility of government is not limited to protecting members of the ruling party. Every Nigerian, regardless of political affiliation, deserves equal protection under the law. The President’s constitutional responsibility to ensure the security and welfare of citizens cannot be selectively exercised.
More disturbing is the allegation that individuals responsible for attacks on opposition members have not faced effective prosecution. When perpetrators of political violence are allowed to operate without consequences, it creates an atmosphere of impunity and encourages further attacks.
Commenting on the dangerous development, Mr Akor warned that Nigeria could descend into widespread anarchy if an election were to be conducted under the prevailing atmosphere of political intimidation and violence.
He noted that should Nigerians proceed to the polls today under these circumstances, the country could be consumed by anarchy, as political violence, unchecked aggression and the apparent absence of accountability threaten the very foundation of peaceful electoral competition.
Mr Akor further expressed concern that the Tinubu-led APC government has not demonstrated sufficient condemnation of the alleged political thugs and miscreants attacking opposition parties and their supporters.
According to him, the apparent silence of the President and the ruling APC leadership is particularly worrisome, as it risks emboldening perpetrators and creating the impression that political violence is acceptable or can be tolerated when directed against political opponents.
A government that genuinely believes in democracy should be the first to condemn political violence, demand investigations and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.
Security agencies must not become instruments of political intimidation. Their loyalty must be to the Constitution and the Nigerian people, not to any political party or individual occupying public office.
There is no democracy without opposition. The ruling party cannot claim democratic legitimacy while opposition parties and their supporters are denied the freedom to participate in the political process.
The National Assembly must rise above partisan considerations and exercise its constitutional oversight responsibilities. Where evidence establishes presidential misconduct or a violation of constitutional duties, lawmakers must be prepared to invoke the relevant provisions of the Constitution, including Section 143, which provides the procedure for removing a President for gross misconduct.
However, impeachment must follow constitutional procedures and be supported by verifiable evidence, not merely political disagreements or allegations.
Nigeria has paid an enormous price for political instability, authoritarianism and the suppression of dissent. The country must not return to an era where political power determines who enjoys fundamental rights and who is denied them.
President Tinubu and his administration must demonstrate, through concrete action, that Nigeria remains a democracy where political competition is protected, perpetrators of violence are prosecuted and every citizen enjoys equal protection.
The silence of government in the face of recurring political violence is dangerous. The failure to prosecute perpetrators is even more dangerous.
COPDEM further insists that members of the National Assembly must understand that their loyalty should be to the Nigerian people and the Constitution, not to partisan interests or political protection. Any lawmaker who refuses to support the impeachment motion or deliberately shields the President from accountability, despite credible evidence of constitutional violations, must be prepared to face the consequences at the ballot box. Their respective constituencies should hold them accountable and vote them out at the next election. Nigerians must not continue to reward political representatives who place party loyalty above the security, freedom and democratic rights of the people. Public office is a responsibility, not a permanent entitlement.
Nigeria cannot continue in anarchy. Democracy must not become the exclusive property of the ruling party. Protecting the opposition is protecting Nigeria.
