Coalition of lawyers demands immediate action over PDP national secretariat closure, warning police withdrawal or face legal consequences to protect democracy.
A coalition of lawyers and civil society organisations has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to the Nigeria Police Force to reopen the PDP national secretariat closure or face immediate legal action.
The warning was delivered at a joint press conference in Abuja on Monday, reflecting growing concerns about the erosion of Nigeria’s democratic principles.
The coalition, consisting of Lawyers for New Nigeria (LNN), the Good Governance Initiative Coalition (GGIC), and the Arewa Lawyers Union (ALU), called the closure of the PDP headquarters both unlawful and unconstitutional.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Mr. Hassan Saraki, National Coordinator of LNN, emphasized that the ultimatum was necessary to safeguard Nigeria’s multi-party democracy and ensure that opposition parties can operate without intimidation.
“We are giving the police 24 hours to reopen the PDP national secretariat. Failure to comply will compel us to take legal action,” Saraki declared.
He stressed that the prolonged PDP national secretariat closure represents not just a disruption of party activities, but a serious assault on democratic governance.
Saraki described the events surrounding the Secretariat, particularly on November 18 and 20, as a deliberate siege rather than internal party disagreements.
According to him, political thugs, allegedly backed by security operatives acting without lawful authority, forcefully occupied the PDP headquarters.
“The invasion of the PDP national secretariat was not a routine disagreement; it was a planned and unconstitutional operation backed by security personnel lacking legal authority,” he said.
“This is unprecedented in Nigeria’s democratic history and constitutes a direct threat to political freedom.”
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The coalition argued that the PDP national secretariat closure violates Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, as well as Sections 221–229, which protect the operation of political parties.
Saraki also emphasized that the decisions of the PDP National Working Committee at the Ibadan Convention remain valid unless overturned by a competent court, asserting, “No group has the authority to nullify these decisions by force.”
Highlighting the broader implications, Saraki warned that suppressing opposition voices could accelerate Nigeria’s slide toward authoritarianism.
He noted that the country is already under intense international scrutiny due to rising insecurity and allegations of human rights violations, further intensified by recent controversial statements from global leaders.
The coalition demanded the immediate withdrawal of all police officers from the PDP secretariat and urged the National Assembly to launch a parliamentary inquiry into the alleged misuse of security agencies for political purposes.
According to Saraki, failure to act would embolden those who seek to undermine democratic norms and weaken the rule of law.
Legal experts and civil society representatives also highlighted the operational and psychological impact of the PDP national secretariat closure.
Denying access to party officials disrupts day-to-day operations, delays critical decision-making, and discourages political participation.
“This is not only a challenge for the PDP but a warning to all political opposition in Nigeria,” Saraki explained.
He stressed that the coalition’s ultimatum reflects the legal community’s refusal to tolerate attacks on democratic institutions.
Lawyers for New Nigeria, together with partner organisations, are prepared to pursue litigation immediately should the police fail to comply within the 24-hour window.
The coalition also raised concerns about the broader trend of rising political intolerance in Nigeria.
According to Saraki, attempts to intimidate opposition parties through the PDP national secretariat closure reflect a dangerous precedent and threaten the integrity of the democratic process.
“Such actions are undermining public confidence in governance and are damaging Nigeria’s reputation internationally,” he added.
Members of the coalition highlighted that allowing political thuggery to go unchecked could embolden similar attacks against other parties, creating a climate of fear and stifling dissent.
Saraki warned that democratic norms must be defended consistently to prevent the normalization of authoritarian practices.
The coalition’s warning is both legal and symbolic, signaling a unified front among lawyers and civil society groups against unconstitutional practices.
The PDP national secretariat closure is viewed as a critical test of Nigeria’s commitment to democracy and the protection of political opposition.
The coalition demanded two immediate steps:
1. The complete withdrawal of all police officers from the PDP National Secretariat to allow full operational restoration.
2. A parliamentary investigation into the alleged misuse of security forces for political purposes, ensuring accountability and adherence to democratic principles.
Saraki concluded by emphasizing that the legal community would not remain silent.
“The PDP national secretariat closure threatens the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy. We will hold those responsible accountable through every lawful means,” he declared.
Observers say the next 24 hours will be decisive, determining whether the police will comply voluntarily or face a high-profile legal confrontation that could shape Nigeria’s democratic trajectory.
Ireport247news
