Group says democracy is under threat, calls for civic action
The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) is calling on Nigerians—especially young people—to stand up for democracy and push back against what it describes as a growing slide into tyranny under the current administration.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Monday, CUPP National Secretary, Peter Ameh, condemned the recent alleged attack on Gbadebo Rhodes-Vivour, Labour Party’s 2023 Lagos State governorship candidate, and supporters of the African Democratic Congress (ADC).
“Thugs attacked them while police watched”
Ameh claimed the incident involved political thugs targeting opposition figures, and what’s worse—armed police officers reportedly stood by without intervening.
“We must fiercely resist tyranny with unwavering resolve,” Ameh said. “We cannot let fear silence our voice in a democracy.”
“Leaders should serve, not intimidate”
He criticized public officials who, instead of being accountable, act like rulers to be feared, often using government institutions to oppress the same citizens who elected them.
“This is not how democracy works. Institutions are supposed to serve the people—not silence them,” he added.
CUPP calls for collective resistance
CUPP urged civil society groups, student unions, and everyday Nigerians to push back against political intimidation and insist that democracy remains about the people, not power.
The group also emphasized that democratic values—like free speech, protest rights, and political participation—must be protected, especially during periods of unrest or transition.
