The Social Democratic Party (SDP) has raised concerns over an alleged scheme by the Nigerian government to intimidate and suppress opposition figures.
The party claims that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is orchestrating plans to file criminal charges against former Kaduna State Governor, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, following his recent defection to the SDP.
In a statement issued by the party’s National Publicity Secretary, Ambassador Rufus Aiyenigba, the SDP asserted that the APC-led administration is using state resources to clamp down on political opponents. The party further alleged that part of this strategy involves restricting El-Rufai’s movement, preventing him from traveling outside Nigeria to discourage further defections from the ruling party.
According to the statement, credible intelligence suggests that the government is preparing multiple legal cases against the former governor, with proceedings expected to commence in both Abuja and Kaduna. The SDP maintains that these actions are politically motivated, aimed at weakening the growing influence of the opposition.
“The APC is unsettled by the rising popularity of the SDP, and in response, it has resorted to deploying state institutions to intimidate our leaders,” the statement read. “Reliable sources indicate that the government intends to initiate a series of legal battles against Mallam Nasir El-Rufai as a means of political persecution. Additionally, there are plans to impose a travel ban on him to limit his ability to engage with international stakeholders.”
The party described these alleged moves as undemocratic, emphasizing that such tactics undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles. It called on civil society organizations, the international community, and Nigerians to be vigilant and resist any attempts to weaponize the judiciary for political gains.
This development comes amid heightened political tensions, with several key figures reportedly reconsidering their affiliations ahead of upcoming elections. The SDP reaffirmed its commitment to upholding democratic values and vowed to challenge any actions that threaten the rights of its members.
Observers are keenly watching how the situation unfolds, as the allegations raise broader concerns about political freedom and the rule of law in Nigeria.
