SDP condemns PDP Wadata plaza crisis

…calls for protection of democracy

The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Shehu Gabam, on Wednesday condemned Tuesday’s crisis at Wadata Plaza, the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Abuja.

Gabam described it as a “brazen display of anarchy” that threatens the foundations of Nigeria’s democracy.

In a statement made available to reporters in Abuja, Gabam said some people were mobilized to suppress dissenting voices, warning that such actions erode public confidence and weaken the rule of law.

He said, “The spectacle, witnessed by many, suggests a disturbing trend in which state structures are repurposed to silence dissent. Such actions erode public confidence and threaten the very foundations of our nascent democracy. It is imperative that the rule of law be upheld, and that no entity feels above the constitutional order that safeguards citizens’ rights”.

The SDP chairman also criticized security agencies, accusing them of harassing political opponents instead of protecting lives and property.

According to him, “The security agencies, whose duty is to protect lives and property, have become instruments of harassment and intimidation against political opponents

“This shift undermines the principle of law enforcement and fuels public fear. When those sworn to defend the nation target dissenting voices, the social contract weakens, and the democratic fabric frays. Citizens deserve assurance that security forces will act impartially, safeguarding all Nigerians regardless of political affiliation and fostering lasting trust and national unity”.

He emphasised that impartial law enforcement is essential to fostering trust, national unity, and a stable democratic society.

Gabam further called attention to ongoing security challenges, including the death of a Brigadier General in Borno State and the abduction of students in Kebbi State, urging the President to prioritize these crises.

“The nation is in mourning, and decisive action is needed to address these pressing challenges,” he said.

Highlighting what he described as a dangerous pattern of political maneuvering, Gabam warned against the abuse of constitutional processes to silence opposition, pointing out that such tactics have previously destabilized the SDP and now threaten other parties.

Gabam recalled that, “President Bola Tinubu once stood as a leading figure within the opposition, championing democratic principles that enabled his ascent to office through the merger of ACN, CPC, ANPP, and other parties.

 He counselled that the sacrifices made in pursuit of democratic governance should not be eroded during President Tinubu’s tenure, saying that, “It is upon him to uphold the values that paved his path, fostering a climate where dissent is respected and unity is prioritized over partisan advantage for all.

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He pointed out that the challenges confronting the nation should serve as a catalyst for unity, rather than an excuse for division.