Protests and Political Tensions in Nigeria
Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), specifically under the PDP Like-Mind Group, staged a peaceful protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja on Thursday. The demonstration was aimed at calling for international intervention to protect Nigeria’s democracy from what they described as the emergence of a one-party state. The group emphasized the need for global support to safeguard democratic institutions and ensure judicial independence.
Led by Mr. Moses Aliu, the protesters also visited the European Union (EU) mission, the Ministry of Justice, and the Inspector-General of Police. During these visits, they submitted protest letters urging international partners to act swiftly in protecting Nigeria’s democratic values. The demonstrators carried placards with messages such as “Save Nigeria’s Democracy” and “Stop Political Persecution,” highlighting their concerns about the ruling party’s use of intimidation, corruption, and institutional capture to silence opposition voices and consolidate power.
“We appeal to the international community to help save Nigeria from descending into a one-party state,” said Aliu, who led the march. “We are deeply concerned about the rising wave of political persecution and the erosion of democratic values.” The group urged the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to resist political interference and uphold the rule of law and citizens’ rights.
The protest comes amid worsening internal strife within the PDP, which has been experiencing a leadership crisis for over two years. The conflict escalated last weekend when National Chairman Umar Damagum announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and several others. In a swift counter-move, Anyanwu’s faction suspended Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four senior officials, 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 loyalists were notably absent. This development highlights the growing divisions within the party and the challenges it faces in maintaining unity.
In a protest letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., the group, through its South-South Coordinator, Ebiowel Amakiri, warned of what it called the “imminent collapse” of Nigeria’s democracy. The letter highlighted the actions of the ruling party, in collaboration with elements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and segments of the judiciary, which have created an atmosphere of fear, suppression, and injustice.
“There is a coordinated pattern of political intimidation, manipulation of electoral processes, and judicial rascality aimed at silencing opposition voices and dismantling the balance of power essential for a free democracy,” the letter read. The group appealed to the United States and other democratic allies to use their diplomatic influence and partnership platforms 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 group reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as a peaceful, transparent, and truly democratic Nigeria.
Key Issues and Concerns
- The PDP Like-Mind Group’s protest highlights the growing concern over the potential shift towards a one-party state in Nigeria.
- The group accuses the ruling party of using intimidation, corruption, and institutional capture to suppress opposition voices.
- Internal conflicts within the PDP have intensified, with factions suspending each other’s leaders, leading to further instability.
- The protest letter addresses the U.S. Ambassador, warning of the imminent collapse of Nigeria’s democracy due to actions by the ruling party and elements within INEC and the judiciary.
- The group calls for international intervention to protect democratic values and prevent the erosion of the balance of power.
- The letter emphasizes the need for the international community to take a proactive stance in supporting Nigeria’s democratic institutions.