ABUJA, Nigeria — The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has accused the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) of orchestrating internal turmoil within opposition parties, disputing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s claim that he has no involvement in their internal crises.
In a strongly worded reaction to the President’s Democracy Day address at the National Assembly, the PDP’s Deputy National Youth Leader, Timothy Osadolor, described Tinubu’s remarks as “irresponsible and filled with blatant falsehood,” alleging covert efforts by the APC to destabilise the political opposition.
During his address, President Tinubu had dismissed accusations of interference, saying: “Political parties fearful of members leaving may be better served by examining their internal processes and affairs rather than fearfully conjuring up demons that do not exist… I will not help you put your house in order. It is, indeed, a pleasure to witness you in such disarray.”
Responding in an exclusive interview with Vanguard in Abuja on Thursday, June 12, 2025, Osadolor countered the President’s assertion by invoking a biblical analogy: “It’s akin to the hand of Esau but the voice of Jacob—whichever comes first. The President’s claims reek of insincerity. There’s clear evidence of APC’s interference in the affairs of opposition parties.”
Osadolor argued that Nigeria’s constitutional framework has enabled the presidency to exert excessive control over critical institutions, particularly the security forces and the judiciary.
“The problem lies in the failure of institutional leadership and the constitutional flaw that gives the President sweeping authority to hire and fire heads of security agencies. If these institutions were truly independent, 90% of the political manipulation we’re seeing wouldn’t be possible,” he said.
The PDP youth leader further alleged that the judiciary had lost its independence and now operates under the influence of the executive.
“Not only has he subdued the security agencies, but it’s also an open secret that the judiciary now dances to the tune of the Presidential Villa,” he said.
The accusation comes amid mounting concerns from civil society groups and political observers about the growing centralisation of power and the alleged politicisation of key state institutions.
Osadolor also criticised the timing and tone of Tinubu’s Democracy Day speech, accusing the President of trivialising the symbolic importance of June 12 — the date widely associated with Nigeria’s pro-democracy struggle and the legacy of the annulled 1993 presidential election.
“That speech was disrespectful to the spirit of June 12. If he wanted to peddle such narratives, he should have chosen another day,” he said.
Challenging Tinubu’s record in office, Osadolor questioned whether the President had outperformed past military rulers.
“In his quiet moments, let President Tinubu ask himself: Is he governing better than General Sani Abacha or General Ibrahim Babangida?”
Citing rising insecurity, worsening economic conditions, and controversial policies such as the Lagos-Calabar coastal highway project, Osadolor expressed scepticism about the President’s chances of winning re-election.
“There’s no way this single term will translate into a second — unless a miracle happens,” he said.
He concluded by urging the President to take responsibility for the challenges Nigerians are facing.
“On a day like this, the President should have apologised to Nigerians, admitted his failures, and committed to working for the people.”
