Protests Highlight Concerns Over Nigeria’s Democracy
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have taken to the streets in a peaceful demonstration, calling for international support to protect Nigeria’s democracy. The protest was organized under the PDP Like-Mind Group and took place at the United States Embassy in Abuja on Thursday. The demonstrators emphasized their concerns about the growing influence of the ruling party, which they believe is leading the country toward becoming a one-party state.
The protest was led by Mr. Moses Aliu, who also coordinated visits to the European Union mission, the Ministry of Justice, and the Inspector-General of Police. During these visits, the group submitted protest letters urging global partners to take action to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions and ensure judicial independence.
Participants carried placards with messages such as “Save Nigeria’s Democracy” and “Stop Political Persecution.” They accused the ruling party of using intimidation, corruption, and institutional capture to suppress opposition voices and consolidate power. Aliu stated, “We appeal to the international community to help save Nigeria from descending into a one-party state. We are deeply concerned about the rising wave of political persecution and the erosion of democratic values.”
The group also called on the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to resist political interference and uphold the rule of law. This call comes amid increasing internal conflicts within the PDP, which has been experiencing a leadership crisis for over two years. The situation escalated when National Chairman Umar Damagum suspended several key officials, including National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu and National Organising Secretary Umar Bature.
In response, Anyanwu’s faction quickly retaliated by suspending Damagum and other senior officials, further deepening the party’s internal turmoil. On Monday, the Anyanwu-led faction, through its acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, took control of the PDP National Secretariat, while Damagum and his supporters were notably absent.
A protest letter dated November 4, 2025, addressed to the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., warned of the potential collapse of Nigeria’s democracy. The letter, signed by Ebiowel Amakiri, the South-South Coordinator of the group, highlighted the collaboration between the ruling party, elements of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and segments of the judiciary.
“The ongoing actions of the ruling party, in collaboration with elements within INEC and segments of the judiciary, have created an atmosphere of fear, suppression, and injustice,” the letter stated. It described a coordinated effort to intimidate political opponents, manipulate electoral processes, and undermine judicial integrity.
The group urged the United States and other democratic allies to use their diplomatic influence to protect Nigeria’s democratic values. “Your moral voice and proactive engagement can serve as a stabilizing force,” the letter continued. “We believe that a timely intervention from the United States will send a strong message that the international community is watching and will not stand by while Nigeria’s democracy is destroyed from within.”
The protesters reaffirmed their commitment to a peaceful, transparent, and truly democratic Nigeria. Their actions reflect a broader concern about the future of democracy in the country and the need for external support to maintain democratic principles.