The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has called on Nigerians to defend democracy and resist attempts by the current administration to impose authoritarian rule. This appeal follows an attack on the 2023 Labour Party governorship candidate for Lagos State, Gbadebo Rhodes‑Vivour, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) by alleged thugs. The incident occurred in the presence of armed policemen, raising concerns about the security forces’ ability to maintain peace and order.
CUPP National Secretary Peter Ameh warned that such acts of violence and intolerance are becoming increasingly common in Nigeria’s democratic landscape. He emphasized that elected leaders are expected to be accountable to the people, yet many are using government institutions to intimidate and oppress citizens. Ameh urged Nigerians to stand firm against what he described as tyrannical tendencies, stressing the need for collective action to safeguard democratic values.
The coalition highlighted that fear should not dictate the response to these acts of intolerance; instead, citizens must boldly defend their democracy against oppressive assaults. This call to action comes at a time when Nigeria’s democratic institutions face significant challenges, including a series of attacks on political opponents and supporters that cast doubt on the current administration’s commitment to democratic principles.
As Nigeria continues its democratic journey, the CUPP’s appeal serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting democratic values and ensuring that state institutions serve the people rather than intimidate them. The coalition’s call for collective action is likely to resonate with many Nigerians who are concerned about the erosion of democratic norms and the rise of authoritarian tendencies in the country.
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