Forum Warns APC, INEC Against Undermining Opposition

By Rafiyat Sadiq

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum (SMBLF) has issued a strong warning to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), urging them to refrain from actions aimed at weakening opposition political parties.

The forum accused both the ruling party and the electoral umpire of using intimidation, inducement, infiltration, and other underhand tactics to destabilise opposition parties, warning that such practices pose a direct threat to Nigeria’s democratic future. According to the forum, democracy cannot survive without political pluralism.

In a joint statement signed by Oba Olaitan Ladipo (Afenifere), Senator John Azuta-Mbata (Ohanaeze Ndigbo), Ambassador Godknows Igali (PANDEF), and Dr. Pogu Bitrus (Middle Belt Forum), the group expressed concern over ongoing leadership tussles, internal crises, and disunity plaguing several opposition parties.

They noted that the current situation, if left unchecked, could lead to a one-party state and erode the checks and balances essential for democratic governance.

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“At this critical period in our national history, the role of the opposition goes beyond contesting elections. It includes holding the government to account, offering alternative policies, defending citizens’ rights, and ensuring political power is not treated as the birthright of any party,” the statement read.

The forum called on opposition leaders to set aside ego and personal ambition, and work together in the interest of Nigeria’s democracy.

INEC Under Scrutiny

SMBLF also criticised INEC for failing to act decisively on internal disputes within opposition parties, particularly the Labour Party. Despite a clear ruling by the Supreme Court affirming the party’s legitimate leadership, INEC has yet to enforce the decision. As a result, the party has been barred from fielding candidates in the upcoming August 16 by-elections.

“This deliberate inaction is an affront to democratic principles and raises serious concerns about the commission’s neutrality,” said Chief Peter Ameh, National Secretary of the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) and a Labour Party chieftain.

The forum further urged INEC to adhere strictly to provisions of the Electoral Act, particularly in the transmission of election results. It warned that failure to uphold transparency and impartiality could delegitimise future elections.

“A democracy without an effective opposition is a democracy in name only. And a democracy where the umpire is compromised is one headed for collapse,” the forum cautioned.

At the time of filing this report, both the APC and INEC had yet to officially respond to the forum’s statement. An INEC official told reporters that the commission would issue a response in due course.

Reactions Trail SMBLF Statement

Reacting to the development, the Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) supported the call. Speaking to newsmen, ACF’s National Publicity Secretary, Professor Tukur Baba, said the concerns raised were valid.

“The call is in order. Opposition is essential in any democracy, especially in a diverse society like Nigeria. Internal crises within opposition parties distract from their primary role of keeping the ruling party accountable,” he said.

Labour Party: “Our Crisis Was Imposed”

The Labour Party also welcomed the forum’s intervention, describing it as timely and necessary. Senior Special Adviser to the party’s Acting National Chairman, Ken Asogwa, accused the APC-led federal government of interfering in its affairs.

“We endured a leadership crisis that went all the way to the Supreme Court, and the court ruled clearly. Yet, INEC continues to ignore that judgment and allow an illegitimate faction to operate,” Asogwa said.

He maintained that the Labour Party’s leadership crisis was not self-inflicted but orchestrated by external forces aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of 2027.

Also speaking, Chief Peter Ameh of the CUPP said that INEC’s failure to implement court rulings, especially concerning the Labour Party, is a “glaring example of government interference.”

He warned that democracy cannot survive if institutions tasked with safeguarding it continue to act selectively or compromise their responsibilities.

Atiku, PDP, Echo Call for Unity

Former Vice President and the 2023 presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) Atiku Abubakar also aligned with the SMBLF, calling on opposition parties to unite ahead of the 2027 general elections. In a statement issued by his media adviser, Paul Ibe, Atiku described the forum’s remarks as patriotic and timely.

“They have shown that they care about Nigeria and its democratic future. A fragmented opposition cannot provide a credible alternative to the ruling party,” Ibe said.

He added that the forum’s concern reflects the frustration many Nigerians feel and urged opposition parties to rebuild and reconnect with the electorate.

Similarly, the Deputy National Youth Leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Timothy Osadolor, said that while the opposition had faced difficulties, significant progress had been made in reorganising and strengthening party structures.

“Things have changed. Leaders are now focused on unity, and Nigerians want change. That change will not come if the opposition remains divided,” he told reporters.

The Southern and Middle Belt Leaders Forum has thrown a spotlight on the fragile state of Nigeria’s democratic framework. As the 2027 elections approach, the call for unity among opposition parties, accountability from INEC, and respect for judicial decisions has become more urgent than ever.