The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has urged President Bola Tinubu to show the same dedication to protecting democracy in Nigeria that he recently displayed towards Guinea-Bissau’s opposition candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa.

The factional National Publicity Secretary of the party, Ini Ememobong, issued a statement late Monday that referenced a press release by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, along with his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir. This press release confirmed that Tinubu granted asylum and protection to Da Costa due to “imminent threats to his life” following the presidential election in Guinea-Bissau.

The statement emphasized that this action was taken to protect the democratic aspirations of the people of Guinea-Bissau and to reinforce Nigeria’s commitment to promoting regional peace, stability, and conflict resolution in the sub-region.

According to DAILY POST, the Nigerian embassy in Guinea-Bissau has granted asylum to the country’s opposition presidential candidate, Fernando Dias da Costa, due to alleged threats against his life.

While acknowledging this gesture, the PDP insisted that the President must now apply the same standards within Nigeria.

The opposition party urged him to monitor and limit the activities of anti-democratic elements within his cabinet and political framework, who are openly orchestrating, funding, and instigating crises within major opposition parties.

“The Nigerian political landscape is increasingly under pressure. The political space is becoming restricted due to the coercion of elected officials to switch to the ruling party and the instigation of crises in opposition parties.

“The democratic principles that guided Nigeria’s intervention in Guinea-Bissau should also inform Tinubu’s actions within Nigeria to protect the country’s electoral democracy from decline and avert a transition to a one-party state,” stated the PDP.

Frequently Asked Questions

What prompted the PDP to challenge President Tinubu?

The PDP challenged President Tinubu to show the same commitment to democratic protection in Nigeria that he demonstrated by granting asylum to Fernando Dias da Costa, an opposition candidate in Guinea-Bissau.

What actions did President Tinubu take regarding Fernando Dias da Costa?

President Tinubu granted asylum and protection to Fernando Dias da Costa due to imminent threats to his life following the presidential election in Guinea-Bissau.

What does the PDP suggest regarding anti-democratic forces?

The PDP urged President Tinubu to monitor and curtail the activities of anti-democratic forces within his cabinet and political machinery, who are causing crises in opposition parties.

Eze Chidiebere Paul

Eze Chidiebere Paul

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