SDP National Chairman, Gabam Condemns Wadata Plaza Unrest, Warns Against Threats To Democracy
•By Admin
ABUJA – THE National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Musa Gabam, has condemned the recent disorder at Wadata Plaza, the National Secretariat of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja, describing it as “a clear slide into lawlessness” that endangers Nigeria’s democratic stability.
In a statement issued to journalists on Wednesday, Gabam alleged that elements within government institutions were being used to suppress dissenting voices, cautioning that such actions undermine citizens’ trust and weaken constitutional governance.
He said, “The chaotic scenes witnessed by Nigerians reflect a troubling trend in which state machinery is weaponized to silence opposition. This erodes public confidence and strikes at the heart of our democracy. The rule of law must remain inviolable, and no institution should act above the constitutional safeguards protecting citizens’ rights.”
Gabam also accused security agencies of straying from their constitutional responsibilities and becoming instruments of political intimidation.
“Security agencies mandated to protect lives and property are now deployed against perceived political opponents. This dangerous shift fosters fear and threatens the democratic order. When those entrusted with security target dissent, the social contract frays and democracy suffers,” he said.
He emphasized that impartial law enforcement is essential for building public trust, strengthening national unity, and sustaining a stable democracy.
Addressing the nation’s worsening security situation—including the killing of a Brigadier-General in Borno and the abduction of students in Kebbi, Gabam urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to focus on addressing these urgent crises rather than political conflicts.
“The nation is mourning. These tragedies require decisive leadership and immediate action,” he stressed.
Gabam further warned that the political maneuvers witnessed at Wadata Plaza mirror previous attempts to destabilize the SDP, cautioning that similar tactics now threaten the PDP and the broader democratic space.
“The same reckless disregard for due process used to disrupt the SDP is now resurfacing. These actions undermine opposition voices and the democratic principles we fought to protect,” he said.
He reminded President Tinubu of his own history as an opposition leader who championed democratic values and helped birth the merger of the ACN, CPC, ANPP, and others.
Gabam said the democratic gains achieved over the years must not be eroded under the current administration.
“President Tinubu has a duty to uphold the principles that brought him to power. Nigeria needs an environment where dissent is respected, unity is prioritized, and partisan interests do not overshadow national priorities,” he said.
He concluded by urging the President to strengthen public institutions, ensure unbiased security operations, and protect Nigeria’s democracy.
“It is our hope that the President will rise to this moment and safeguard the democracy our heroes paid the ultimate sacrifice to defend,” he stated.
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