NDC deregistration is a dagger to democracy and PDP just called it out

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, through its Interim National Publicity Secretary, Comrade Ini Ememobong, has described the Federal High Court order directing INEC to deregister the Nigeria Democratic Congress, NDC, as a setback for our democracy. This is not just a legal technicality. This is a direct assault on the already fragile multiparty system we claim to operate in Nigeria.

The PDP statement issued on Thursday made a point that struck me. They said this order is not only an asphyxiation of multiparty democracy but also an economic crime against Nigerians who invested in the NDC. Think about that for a moment. People spent their hard earned money to contest elections under that platform. Now a court order wipes out their investment. Who compensates them? Nobody.

PDP further alleged that this development aligns with the APC-led Federal Government's efforts to weaken the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections. They claimed the government is unwilling to allow a strong opposition capable of challenging President Bola Tinubu's re-election bid. Whether you agree with PDP or not, you cannot ignore the pattern. The democratic space is shrinking and we are all watching it happen. What is the endgame here?