PDP Youth Leaders Reject Rivers State Emergency, Accuse Tinubu of Undermining Democracy
The Forum of Youth Leaders of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) has strongly condemned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of a state of emergency in Rivers State, calling it unconstitutional and a direct attack on democracy.
In a statement signed by Jamilu Ali Kalshingi, Gombe State PDP Chairman, and Brown Odeh, Cross River State Secretary, the forum described the move as “an orchestrated effort to dismantle the democratic structures that our party tirelessly establishes and maintains.”
The youth leaders argued that the imposition of emergency rule in a PDP-governed state sets a dangerous precedent that could undermine governance nationwide.
“By attempting to transition Nigeria into a one-party system, the President plays a perilous game that endangers the political pluralism essential for the healthy functioning of our democracy,” the statement read.
The forum called on all democratic institutions and Nigerians to resist what they termed an “undemocratic maneuver” and to safeguard the integrity of electoral processes.
The PDP youth leaders challenged lawmakers in both the Senate and House of Representatives to take a firm stand against the emergency rule, urging them to rise above partisan politics and protect democracy.
“It is vital that they rise to the occasion and embody the role of accountable leaders who advocate for the interests of Nigerians, particularly the youth who often find themselves marginalized in political discourse,” the statement added.
They warned legislators against complacency, cautioning that failure to act would render them “mere puppets of the presidency.”
Beyond opposing the state of emergency, the youth leaders also urged the PDP National Working Committee (NWC), Board of Trustees, and Governors’ Forum to take decisive action in strengthening the party.
They stressed the need for PDP to implement the recent Supreme Court ruling on party leadership by immediately swearing in Hon. Sunday Enemchukwu Okoye as the party’s Secretary.
“The party symbolizes hope for millions of Nigerians, and it is crucial that we uphold our values amid these trying times,” the statement emphasized.
Expressing frustration over both internal party struggles and external threats, the youth forum declared that the younger generation is no longer willing to be sidelined.
“The youth are not just the leaders of tomorrow; we are the stakeholders of today, and our voices must be heard and valued,” the group stated, warning that their patience is wearing thin.
The forum called for immediate and decisive action to restore confidence in PDP and strengthen Nigeria’s democracy, vowing to continue pushing for accountability and justice.
As tensions mount over the emergency rule in Rivers State, the PDP Youth Leaders’ strong stance adds to growing resistance against the policy.
With their call for decisive action, all eyes are now on the National Assembly and PDP leadership to respond to the challenge.
