Some members of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) held a peaceful protest on Thursday at the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for international support to protect Nigeria’s democracy and prevent the nation from drifting toward a one-party system.
The protesters also delivered letters to the US Embassy, the European Union complex, and the Federal Ministry of Justice, urging them to help safeguard democratic institutions and the judiciary.
Carrying placards with messages demanding fairness and accountability, the demonstrators accused the ruling party of intimidating opposition members and undermining multiparty democracy.
The protest comes amid deepening internal divisions within the PDP, which has been mired in crisis for over two years. Over the weekend, tensions escalated as the party’s National Chairman, Umar Damagum, and some members of the National Working Committee (NWC) announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and other key officials.
In a swift reaction, a faction led by Anyanwu countered by suspending Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four other principal officers — further worsening the leadership turmoil.
On Monday, acting National Chairman Abdulrahman Mohammed, from the Anyanwu-led faction, resumed duties at the PDP national headquarters, while Damagum and his loyal NWC members were notably absent.
