From Laide Raheem, Abeokuta
The Northern Youth Leaders Forum (NYLF) has criticized the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Ambassador Ilya Umar Damagun, for allegedly aiding the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in its efforts to establish a one-party state in Nigeria.
The NYLF accused the PDP, under Damagun’s leadership, of failing to fulfill its role as the main opposition party by providing constructive criticism. Instead, the group claims the PDP has remained silent, seemingly condoning the ruling party’s actions.
Addressing newsmen in Abeokuta, Ogun State, the NYLF National President, Afiyo Elliot, expressed concern over the ruling party’s attempts to undermine Nigeria’s democratic principles and establish a one-party system, leading to an authoritarian and dictatorial regime.
Elliot pointed out that despite the current administration’s implementation of unpopular policies, the PDP has not voiced any criticism.
“The National Chairman of the party, who is supposed to be the main opposition leader, providing constructive criticisms to ensure checks and balances, is unavoidably absent or has been on a deliberate, intentional, and manipulated (money-induced) silence,” Elliot stated.
He further criticized the PDP’s National Spokesperson for focusing on the affairs of the Rivers State House of Assembly instead of addressing national issues.
“We then wonder what will be the fate of democracy in the near future in our nation, as we tend to slide into a dictatorial state through a one-party system,” Elliot said. “This scenario indeed calls for concern by well-meaning Nigerians irrespective of tribe, religion, geo-political, or party affiliations.”
The NYLF urged all Nigerians to join them in opposing the alleged destruction of opposition parties, particularly the PDP.
The group also called for Damagun’s resignation or removal from office by the PDP’s National Working Committee (NWC) or National Executive Committee (NEC) in the national interest.
Elliot emphasized that “the PDP chairman has been glaringly and evidently compromised” and proposed that “to ensure justice and equity, Damagun’s position should be given to anybody from the North-Central zone.”