Abuja cannot silence democracy

The reported disruption of a planned special convention by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Tanimu Turaki (SAN), at which former President Goodluck Jonathan was to be ratified as the faction’s presidential candidate, raises serious questions about the abuse of state power and the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria. Reports indicate […]

The reported disruption of a planned special convention by a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) loyal to Tanimu Turaki (SAN), at which former President Goodluck Jonathan was to be ratified as the faction’s presidential candidate, raises serious questions about the abuse of state power and the shrinking democratic space in Nigeria.

Reports indicate that police operatives barricaded roads leading to the venue of the convention in Abuja on May 30, effectively preventing delegates and supporters from accessing the facility. The action followed threats by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Administration that hotels and event centres should not host organisations or political factions not recognised by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), with warnings that property owners risked sanctions, including the revocation of title documents. The convention was eventually moved to another location, where the organisers proceeded with their activities.

Regardless of what anyone thinks about the legitimacy of the Turaki faction, the endorsement of Jonathan, or the internal disputes within the PDP, what is at stake here transcends partisan politics. It concerns the fundamental constitutional rights of Nigerians and the dangerous precedent being set in the nation’s capital.

We recall that this is not the first time allegations of executive interference have surfaced in the FCT within the current political cycle. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) national convention earlier in April also reportedly encountered obstacles allegedly linked to actions by authorities in the FCT. The recurrence of such incidents suggests a disturbing pattern that should concern every Nigerian who still values democracy and the rule of law.

The powers of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory are extensive, but not limitless. We believe it is not part of the minister’s constitutional mandate to determine which political faction or association has the right to gather peacefully. Questions regarding party leadership, recognition and legitimacy are matters for the courts, INEC and the political parties themselves. They are certainly not issues to be settled through administrative threats or the deployment of security agencies.

The FCT minister’s primary responsibility is to oversee the administration and development of the nation’s capital and improve the welfare of residents. The office was not created to serve as an arbiter of political disputes or as an instrument for influencing the internal affairs of political parties.

What makes this episode particularly troubling is that it occurred in Abuja, a city that belongs to all Nigerians. The Federal Capital Territory was conceived as a neutral and cosmopolitan centre where citizens from every ethnic, religious and political background can coexist and exercise their rights equally. If freedom of assembly and association can be curtailed so brazenly in the nation’s capital, what message does that send to the rest of the country?

Nigeria remains a constitutional democracy. Section 40 of the Constitution guarantees every citizen the right to assemble freely and associate with others. Even if one were to assume, without conceding, that the Turaki faction lacked official recognition, that alone cannot justify denying its members the right to gather peacefully. The right of association is not reserved solely for groups approved by government officials. It is a constitutional guarantee available to all citizens, provided public order and security are not threatened.

There has been no public evidence suggesting that the convention posed any threat to law and order. Neither has any court order been cited prohibiting the gathering. In such circumstances, the mobilisation of security personnel to block access to a venue raises legitimate concerns about political intimidation and abuse of authority.

This development also casts an uncomfortable spotlight on the role of the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies. Security institutions must remain professional, impartial and faithful to the Constitution. They must resist the temptation to become instruments in political contests. Without a credible security threat or a valid court order, the deployment of police officers to prevent citizens from exercising their constitutional rights cannot be justified.

The Inspector-General of Police owes Nigerians an explanation regarding the basis for the operation. Equally important, officers responsible for authorising such deployments should be reminded that their loyalty is to the Constitution and the law, not to powerful political actors.

Hotel owners, event centre operators and other business proprietors should also be protected from the atmosphere of fear created by threats of official reprisals. A democratic society cannot function where citizens and businesses are intimidated into denying lawful services to individuals or groups merely because they are out of favour with those in power.

President Bola Tinubu should not ignore this matter. Unless the President endorses such actions, he has a responsibility to rein in his minister and make it clear that no public official has the authority to suppress constitutionally guaranteed freedoms. Silence in the face of such conduct risks being interpreted as approval.

At Daily Trust, we reiterate that democracy survives not only through elections but also through the protection of civil liberties. Civil society organisations, professional bodies and all Nigerians of goodwill must speak out against any attempt to erode these freedoms. The rule of law must prevail over the whims and caprices of political actors.

If unchecked, today’s assault on the rights of one political faction could become tomorrow’s assault on the rights of all Nigerians. That is why this abuse of power must be condemned and those responsible held accountable.