PDP governors have publicly accused the APC-led federal government of abusing national security agencies to suppress dissent and target opposition figures. Speaking after an emergency meeting of the PDP Governors’ Forum in Abuja, those in attendance condemned the alleged misuse of these institutions to intimidate people aligned with the opposition.
They argued that instead of serving as impartial enforcers of law, security agencies have increasingly taken on a partisan stance—acting on behalf of counterparts within the ruling party.
Federal Oversight Turned Instrument of Intimidation
The governors expressed concern that agencies such as the police, DSS, and EFCC have been co-opted by the federal government to harass senior opposition figures. They cited examples of raids on residences, arrests based on dubious allegations, and campaigns of disruption launched against prominent PDP leaders across states like Ekiti, Osun, and Rivers.
A joint communique, signed by Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, denounced such practices as flagrant violations of democratic norms and the rule of law.
Threats to Electoral Integrity and Political Dissent
Governor Fayose and his colleagues also accused security agencies of playing a role in undermining electoral fairness. They suggested that some facets of the forced compliance—such as voter inducement schemes tied to misdirected national funds—were orchestrated or supported by state actors to dampen opposition influence in upcoming polls.
The forum criticized INEC, stating that the electoral commission had aligned itself too closely with the federal government, citing concerns over biased oversight and decision-making.
Call for Constitutional Neutrality
In light of their concerns, the governors demanded immediate recommitment by security agencies to constitutional neutrality. They urged law enforcement operatives to uphold democratic values and stop functioning as enforcement wings of political parties.
PDP’s leadership also warned that continued interference risked destabilizing Nigeria’s democratic institutions and breeding civil unrest, especially amid the heightened tensions leading into future elections.
