By Nwabueze Okonkwo
ONITSHA — The Southern Nigeria Peoples’ Mandate (SNPM), a pan socio-political organisation, has urged President Bola Tinubu to abandon any attempt to turn Nigeria into a one-party state in pursuit of a second term in 2027.
The group also called on the President to review policies it said have worsened economic hardship and the suffering of Nigerians.
In a statement issued on Monday after a three-hour meeting and signed by its Chairman and Founder, Augustine Chukwudozie, SNPM expressed concern over what it described as judicial actions allegedly targeted at weakening opposition political parties.
According to the statement, recent developments in the judiciary have raised questions about the independence of the courts.
“We have witnessed situations where a judgment delivered by the Supreme Court is followed by fresh proceedings at a lower court involving the same matter. These cases largely concern opposition political parties,” the group said.
SNPM alleged that the Federal Government was focusing more on the 2027 elections than addressing the country’s pressing challenges.
“Rather than concentrating on improving the welfare of Nigerians, the administration appears preoccupied with securing a second term by using institutions of government to frustrate opposition parties and perceived political rivals,” the statement said.
The group argued that the administration’s handling of insecurity, the economy and other national issues had failed to meet public expectations.
“It is ironic that a leader who was part of the June 12 democratic struggle is now being accused of acting contrary to democratic principles,” it stated.
The organisation further alleged that the government had not delivered significant improvements in the lives of ordinary Nigerians, citing rising inflation, high fuel prices and the depreciation of the naira as indicators of worsening economic conditions.
It claimed that many Nigerians continue to struggle with the rising cost of living, while insecurity remains a major concern across parts of the country.
SNPM also called on the National Judicial Council (NJC) to investigate and sanction judges found to have acted in ways that undermine public confidence in the judiciary.
“The judiciary remains the last hope of the common man and must not be allowed to become a subject of ridicule,” the group said.
It urged Nigerians to defend democratic principles and resist any form of electoral manipulation ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“Our votes must count in 2027. Nigerians should stand against injustice, election rigging and every form of anti-democratic practice,” the statement added.
