PDP alleges Tinubu regime turned Nigeria into authoritarian state, cites HRF report

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) accused President Bola Tinubu's administration of transforming Nigeria into a 'full authoritarian state' in a statement released Saturday. The party cited a Human Rights Foundation report on tyrannytracker.org classifying Nigeria as fully authoritarian, claiming it confirms local realities of eroded democratic institutions, suppressed dissent, and collapsed checks and balances under APC rule.

The PDP statement, signed by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, alleges specific incidents including media attacks on Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Catholic Bishops Conference as evidence of absent free speech. It criticizes the National Assembly's failure to check executive power, noting the Appropriation Act went unimplemented for three years despite legislative commendation. The party warns the 2027 elections are designed as a mere formality rather than reflecting popular will.

While presenting these allegations, the PDP urges Nigerians to demand accountability from leaders at all levels as democracy's 'irreducible minimum.' It calls on the Tinubu administration to de-escalate political tensions by stopping weaponization of security agencies against opponents and ending combustible political rhetoric. The statement frames the 2027 election as a contest for both presidency and the country's survival as a democracy.

As this represents opposition claims requiring verification, readers should note the Human Rights Foundation's assessment parameters align with authoritarianism frameworks but independent confirmation of Nigeria's status remains pending. The allegation highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 polls, urging careful evaluation of democratic institution health.

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/08/08/nigeria-now-full-authoritarian-state-under-tinubu-pdp/