A former minister and chieftain of the Peoples Redemption Party (PRP), Bolaji Abdullahi, has strongly criticised the current administration, describing it as one of the most “shameless” in Nigeria’s democratic history amid growing tensions within opposition parties.
Abdullahi’s remarks come in the wake of a sudden leadership crisis within the PRP, a party long regarded as relatively stable. According to him, the turmoil began shortly after the party’s National Chairman, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, led a delegation on a courtesy visit to the leadership of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
He noted that within days of the visit, speculation emerged suggesting that the PRP was being considered as part of a broader opposition coalition. Although Abdullahi dismissed the claim as untrue, he said the mere rumours were enough to trigger the emergence of a faction challenging Baba-Ahmed’s leadership.
The development, he argued, reflects a broader trend under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), which he accused of contributing to the destabilisation of opposition parties across the country.
“The government may continue to deny any involvement, insisting these are internal issues,” Abdullahi said, “but the pattern is increasingly difficult to ignore. The democratic space is shrinking, and the consequences could be far-reaching.”
He warned that a political strategy focused on weakening opposition platforms could backfire, potentially leading to national instability. According to him, limiting viable political alternatives risks leaving citizens with no meaningful choices, a situation he described as dangerous for democracy.
Abdullahi also questioned whether there were voices within the APC willing to caution against such tactics, warning that undermining opposition parties could ultimately harm the country’s political system.
The APC has repeatedly denied allegations of interference in opposition affairs, maintaining that internal disputes within rival parties are self-inflicted.
