The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly condemned the attack on human rights activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore, as well as other peaceful protesters, during the Democracy Day demonstrations held in Abuja.
PDP Statement on Sowore Incident
In a statement released by the party's National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, the PDP highlighted that such incidents indicate that the lessons from the historic June 12 struggle remain unlearned under President Bola Tinubu's administration. The party accused the Tinubu-led government of systematically suppressing dissent and failing to uphold democratic freedoms.
The PDP remarked: “Reality check, however, provides damning evidence that under this APC-led Federal Government, the lessons of June 12 remain painfully unlearnt.” They expressed alarm that peaceful protesters were teargassed and assaulted on a day set aside to honor democratic martyrs.
Sowore's Injuries and Arrest
Referring specifically to Sowore, who reportedly sustained injuries during the protest while advocating for the release of abducted schoolchildren and teachers, the PDP stated: “Omoyele Sowore was reportedly injured and hospitalised for doing nothing more than demanding the immediate release of schoolchildren and teachers held hostage across different parts of the country.”
The party raised serious concerns about civil liberties and democratic rights in Nigeria, emphasizing that the right to peaceful protest is a fundamental pillar of democracy.
June 12 and Democratic Values
As the nation marked the anniversary of the June 12 election, a pivotal moment in Nigeria's democratic journey, the PDP reiterated that June 12 should remind governments to respect citizens' rights, uphold the rule of law, and protect democratic institutions. The opposition party also criticized the Tinubu administration for favoring public relations strategies over genuine governance.
They concluded that the current government's approach has reduced Democracy Day to a historical commemoration rather than a celebration of democratic consolidation.
Call for Action
The PDP urged the Federal Government to safeguard citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and protest, while also calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure transparency and fairness in upcoming elections. They warned that “democratic institutions must not be weakened by political interference.”
The party expressed concern about the erosion of civic freedoms and the need for vigilance as Nigeria approaches the 2027 elections, emphasizing that the sacrifices of the past should serve as a call to action against anti-democratic behavior.
