Lawyers demand immediate reopening of PDP headquarters, accuse Wike of undermining democracy

Lawyers demand immediate reopening of PDP headquarters, accuse Wike of undermining democracy

A coalition of legal advocacy groups — Lawyers for New Nigeria (LNN), Arewa Lawyers Union (ALU), and Good Governance Initiative Coalition (GGIC) — has demanded that police authorities lift the siege on the PDP National Headquarters and immediately reopen the opposition party’s complex in Abuja.

The groups condemned the continued barricade of the secretariat, allegedly ordered by the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, describing it as unconstitutional, anti-democratic, and a direct attempt to stifle political opposition in Nigeria. The complex was sealed after security operatives intervened in a clash between two rival factions: one led by Tanimu Turaki, SAN, backed by PDP governors, and another led by Abdulrahman Muhammed, reportedly supported by Wike.

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, Barrister Hassan Saraki, national coordinator of the coalition, issued a 24-hour ultimatum to Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun to withdraw all officers from the premises or face legal action. Saraki said the seizure of the PDP headquarters threatens constitutional governance, democratic stability, and Nigeria’s tradition of multiparty politics.

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Citing Section 40 and Sections 221–229 of the 1999 Constitution, the coalition described the police action as unlawful, unprecedented, and a dangerous assault on Nigeria’s democracy. Saraki urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to uphold his constitutional oath by ensuring neutrality and protecting the rights of opposition parties.

He warned that Nigeria’s global image is deteriorating due to rising insecurity, allegations of genocide, and now what he called an attempt to “destroy multiparty democracy.” According to him, the “brazen and unconstitutional invasion” of the PDP’s Wadata Plaza headquarters signals a troubling shift toward authoritarianism.

The coalition criticised the use of security operatives to enforce what they termed a partisan takeover aimed at weakening the opposition, intimidating political actors, and shrinking democratic space — a move they say violates the doctrine of political plurality. They called on international partners to closely monitor developments and intervene diplomatically to safeguard Nigeria’s democratic institutions.

The lawyers demanded four immediate actions: the withdrawal of police officers from the PDP secretariat, a thorough investigation into Wike’s alleged involvement, a parliamentary inquiry into the misuse of security agencies, and a public commitment from the President affirming Nigeria’s dedication to multiparty democracy.

Lawyers demand immediate reopening of PDP headquarters, accuse Wike of undermining democracy