Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Democratic Front (NDF), a prominent civil society organization, has commended Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State for speaking out against the perceived harassment of opposition parties by the President Bola Tinubu administration. The NDF, led by its National Coordinator, Engr Ikenna Ellis-Ezenekwe, expressed its support for Governor Mohammed’s public commentary on the alleged attempts by the APC and the Tinubu administration to intimidate and coerce opposition politicians through various federal agencies, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC).
In a statement, the NDF cited the recent arrest and detention of the Bauchi State Finance Commissioner, who was charged with fraud and accused of financing terrorism, as a prime example of the Tinubu administration’s alleged attempts to destabilize the opposition. “The EFCC has made allegations of fraud and terrorism financing against the Bauchi State Government without providing any evidence,” the NDF said. “This is a clear case of political persecution and an attempt to undermine the opposition.”
The NDF also pointed out that Governor Mohammed had raised concerns over the arrest and detention of several members of the Bauchi State Executive Council, who are being pressured to defect to the APC. “The Tinubu administration is using the EFCC and other federal agencies as tools to coerce and intimidate opposition politicians,” the NDF alleged. “This is a clear threat to Nigeria’s democracy and the rule of law.”
Notably, Governor Mohammed has been a strong ally of the Tinubu administration, and has been widely praised for his performance as one of Nigeria’s most effective governors. His criticism of the APC’s tactics is seen as a significant blow to the ruling party’s efforts to consolidate power.
In their statement, the NDF urged the Tinubu administration to exercise restraint and respect for democratic principles, warning that Nigeria’s stability should not be compromised for selfish political interests. “We call on the President to embrace multiparty democracy and allow opposition parties to operate freely,” the NDF said. “This is not the time to engage in divisive and thuggish politics. Nigeria has grown beyond this type of politics.”
The NDF also commended Governor Mohammed for his courage in speaking out and encouraged other opposition governors and elected leaders to follow suit. “Governor Mohammed has shown that it is possible to speak truth to power,” the NDF said. “We urge other leaders to be brave and stand up for democracy and the rule of law.”
The development highlights the growing tensions between the ruling APC and opposition parties in Nigeria, with allegations of harassment and intimidation flying back and forth. The Tinubu administration has been accused of using federal agencies to target opposition politicians and undermine their parties, a charge the administration has denied.
The NDF’s statement is seen as a significant endorsement of Governor Mohammed’s stance and a call to action for other opposition leaders to speak out against perceived injustices. As Nigeria’s political landscape continues to evolve, one thing is clear: the stakes are high, and the battle for democracy and the rule of law is far from over.
