By Our Reporter
The National Chairman of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM), Alhaji Yusuf Mamman Dantale, has expressed concern over what he described as the growing threats to Nigeria’s democracy, alleging that the judiciary and democratic institutions are increasingly being influenced by money and political interests.
Dantale made the remarks on Tuesday while contributing to discussions on the development and strengthening of democracy in Nigeria at a programme organised by the Goodluck Jonathan Foundation (GJF) at the Tafawa Balewa Hall in Bauchi
The APM national chairman, who is also the Chairman of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC), said the country’s democracy was at a critical crossroads, warning that perceived interference and manipulation of political processes could undermine democratic governance.
According to him, the current political dispensation is being weakened by what he described as the infiltration of political parties by unknown individuals and the emergence of “fake politicians” allegedly sponsored by powerful interests to disrupt opposition parties and weaken political opponents.
He lamented that the ruling class had increasingly turned politics into an avenue for suppression through political influence and financial resources allegedly acquired through questionable means.
Dantale said such practices were being deployed to distract, destabilise and disorganise political parties and pressure groups, stressing that the development was detrimental to the growth of democracy in the country.
He urged Nigerians to resist what he described as political aberrations, saying citizens must remain vigilant and defend democratic values and institutions.
The APM chairman also called on politicians and political actors to play by the rules, insisting that democracy remains the best form of government when its principles are genuinely respected and practised.
He stressed the need for political stakeholders to uphold fairness, rule of law, accountability and respect for democratic institutions in order to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic development.