Abuja: A coalition of lawyers and civil society organisations (CSOs) has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to re-open the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretariat or face immediate legal action. The coalition, comprising Lawyers for New Nigeria (LNN), Good Governance Initiative Coalition (GGIC), and Arewa Lawyers Union (ALU), issued the threat at a joint news conference on Monday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr Hassan Saraki, the National Coordinator of LNN, who spoke on behalf of the coalition, stated that the ultimatum was crucial for maintaining multi-party democracy in Nigeria. Saraki criticized the ongoing closure of the PDP national secretariat as unlawful and stressed that the opposition must be allowed to operate without intimidation and flourish without obstruction.
Saraki demanded the withdrawal of police personnel from the party secretariat to enable its full restoration. He warned that failure to comply with the ultimatum would result in legal proceedings, emphasizing the coalition’s commitment to addressing the situation. Saraki condemned the closure of Wadata Plaza, labeling it a ‘coordinated assault’ on the core of Nigeria’s democracy.
He recounted the events of November 18 and November 20, describing them not as internal party conflicts but as a siege orchestrated by political thugs, allegedly supported by security operatives acting without lawful authority. Saraki argued that the police’s actions violated Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees Freedom of Association, as well as Sections 221-229 concerning protections for political parties.
Saraki also highlighted Nigeria’s international scrutiny due to insecurity and allegations of genocide, noting that a recent controversial statement by President Donald Trump had further drawn attention to the nation’s challenges. He warned that suppressing the opposition could accelerate a shift towards authoritarianism and called for an immediate parliamentary inquiry into the alleged misuse of security agencies.