Abuja, Nigeria – June 30, 2025
Former Deputy National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Bode George, has condemned the heavy police presence and disruption of the party’s scheduled National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Abuja on Monday, warning that such actions could push Nigeria towards authoritarian rule.
Addressing journalists shortly after security operatives took over Wadata Plaza, the PDP national secretariat, Bode George described the development as “a dangerous sign” and likened it to the undemocratic practices of North Korea, where political dissent is suppressed.
“You cannot use force to silence the opposition in a democracy. Nigeria is not North Korea, and it must not be turned into one,” he said firmly.
The elder statesman expressed concern that the political atmosphere in the country is increasingly becoming stifled and hostile to democratic norms. He noted that the police blockade not only prevented PDP leaders and members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) from accessing the venue but also sent a wrong message about the government’s tolerance for opposing voices.
The PDP NEC meeting was expected to address critical issues concerning party leadership and internal unity. However, it was reportedly suspended due to the police intervention, which remains unexplained by authorities.
Chief George urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to call the security agencies to order, stressing the importance of preserving democratic principles, including freedom of association and political assembly.
“Democracy thrives on dialogue and competition, not intimidation. We cannot afford to reverse our hard-earned gains,” he stated.
There has been no official response yet from the Nigeria Police Force or the ruli
