The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has reacted to the ongoing internal crisis affecting the opposition parties, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Labour Party (LP).

They blamed the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), for being responsible for the confusion, stating it was part of a strategic effort to weaken political opposition and gradually implement an authoritarian regime similar to the communist governance structure in China.

In a statement signed by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA highlighted the destabilization efforts it believes are orchestrated by the APC to deliberately sow discord within the PDP and Labour Party.

The group alleged that the APC is working behind the scenes to sabotage internal democracy within these opposition parties while appearing uninvolved.

HURIWA cited the appointment of Nyesom Wike, a prominent PDP chieftain, as the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The association alleged that Wike’s appointment is part of a broader scheme to weaken the PDP from within, as his loyalty to the opposition party is now in question, given his collaboration with the APC-led administration.

Regarding the LP crisis, the group pointed to Julius Abure’s refusal to vacate his position as the National Chairman of the Labour Party after his tenure had reportedly expired, as evidence of seeming interference from the ruling APC.

HURIWA claims that Abure’s continuous hold on power, despite legal and constitutional challenges, shows influence by external forces and that the APC’s support for Abure is designed to cripple the Labour Party and weaken its key leader, Peter Obi.

“The APC is using Julius Abure to stifle the Labour Party’s ability to function effectively as a credible opposition,” HURIWA asserted.

“By destabilizing the Labour Party from within, the APC is ensuring that the party does not pose any significant threat in future elections, particularly as Peter Obi continues to gain widespread support.

“This administration’s economic policies are suffocating the Nigerian people, weaponizing poverty to ensure that millions remain poor and dependent on government handouts.

“It is as if the APC is trying to create a communist-style system where citizens are completely reliant on the state, much like what is seen in China.”