Alarm Sounded Over APC’s Scent of Autocracy
A leading civil rights organization, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has raised the alarm over the growing sense of authoritarianism displayed by the All Progressives Congress (APC). The association believes that the party has effectively taken control of the Judiciary and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), paving the way for a potential collapse of democracy in the country.
In a statement, HURIWA expressed concern over the party’s boastful attitude, particularly its seeming confidence in its ability to win all future elections. According to the group, this arrogance poses a significant threat to the survival of democracy in Nigeria.
The association notes that the leaders of the ruling party have been making bold claims about their impending victories, with the APC’s national chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje, recently stating that the party will capture all seats in the Southwest in the next round of elections. This, the group believes, is a clear assertion of political dominance and a declaration of intent to impose the party’s will on the nation.
HURIWA has therefore urged Nigerians to rise up and demand that INEC and the Judiciary remain independent and impartial in their duties. The group believes that any compromise on this front could lead to a loss of faith in the electoral process, thereby breeding apathy, totalitarianism, or even anarchy.
The association also warned the APC against attempting to manipulate the electoral process, using its control over the central government to manipulate results. Free, transparent, and peaceful elections are essential for the growth of democracy, and any attempts to undermine these principles will have far-reaching consequences.
The statement from HURIWA’s national coordinator, Emmanuel Onwubiko, urged Nigerians to speak out against the party’s overreach and to ensure that neither INEC nor the Judiciary becomes a pawn in the party’s game of political one-upmanship. The group’s message is clear: it is now up to the people to defend the institutions that are meant to safeguard democracy in Nigeria.
