Don’t Kill Opposition, Group Tells Wike

The Odua People’s Assembly (OPA) has urged the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, not to suppress opposition political parties in the country.

The group alleged that the former Rivers State governor is engaging in actions aimed at destabilising major opposition parties, including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Labour Party (LP), and African Democratic Congress (ADC).

It warned that such activities pose a serious threat to the nation’s democratic stability.

In a statement signed by its chairman, Richard Olatunji Kayode, the group said Wike’s alleged interference in the affairs of the three opposition parties had heightened internal divisions, weakened leadership structures, and undermined the ability of opposition forces to perform their constitutional role in Nigeria’s democracy.

Kayode described Wike’s conduct as part of a broader strategy of political destabilisation that has continued since his transition from Rivers State governor to a federal minister.

“Wike’s alignment with factions opposed to the PDP leadership, and his alleged involvement in the internal crises of other opposition parties like the Labour Party and the ADC, have created widespread disillusionment among their members and supporters.

“This pattern of interference not only fragments the opposition but also threatens the democratic process by eroding the checks and balances essential to good governance,” he said.

OPA said the crisis, if unchecked, could undermine governance, peace, and national political stability.

“We are deeply concerned about the growing influence of anti-democratic tendencies, manipulation of state institutions, and interference in the independence of opposition parties,” the group added.

It warned that the alleged pattern of interference and intimidation, if allowed to continue, could weaken Nigeria’s democratic institutions and erode public confidence in the rule of law.

The Odua People’s Assembly called on both domestic and international stakeholders to pay close attention to political developments in Rivers State and to support efforts aimed at preserving democracy, justice, and good governance.

Reaffirming its commitment to protecting democratic governance, the group declared that it would continue to speak out against any actions that threaten Nigeria’s political stability.