Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the platform of the PDP Like-Mind Group, on Thursday, staged a peaceful protest at the United States Embassy in Abuja, calling for international intervention to safeguard Nigeria’s democracy from what they described as an emerging one-party state.

Led by Mr. Moses Aliu, the protesters also visited the European Union (EU) mission, the Ministry of Justice, and the Inspector-General of Police, where they submitted protest letters urging global partners to act swiftly to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and uphold judicial independence.

Carrying placards with inscriptions such as “Save Nigeria’s Democracy” and “Stop Political Persecution”, the demonstrators accused the ruling party of using intimidation, corruption, and institutional capture to silence opposition voices and consolidate power.

“We appeal to the international community to help save Nigeria from descending into a one-party state,” said Aliu, who led the march. “We are deeply concerned about the rising wave of political persecution and the erosion of democratic values.”

The group urged the judiciary and law enforcement agencies to resist political interference and stand firm in defending the rule of law and the rights of citizens.

The protest comes amid worsening internal strife within the PDP, which has been mired in a leadership crisis for over two years. The conflict escalated last weekend when National Chairman Umar Damagum announced the suspension of National Secretary Samuel Anyanwu, National Organising Secretary Umar Bature, and several others.

In a swift counter-move, Anyanwu’s faction suspended Damagum, National Publicity Secretary Debo Ologunagba, and four senior officials, deepening the party’s internal turmoil.

On Monday, the Anyanwu-led faction, through its acting National Chairman, Abdulrahman Mohammed, took control of the PDP National Secretariat, while Damagum and his loyalists were notably absent.

In a protest letter dated November 4, 2025, and addressed to the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Richard M. Mills Jr., the group, through its South-South Coordinator, Ebiowel Amakiri, warned of what it called the “imminent collapse” of Nigeria’s democracy.

“The ongoing actions of the ruling party, in collaboration with elements within the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and segments of the judiciary, have created an atmosphere of fear, suppression, and injustice,” the letter read.

“There is a coordinated pattern of political intimidation, manipulation of electoral processes, and judicial rascality aimed at silencing opposition voices and dismantling the balance of power essential for a free democracy.”

The group appealed to the United States and other democratic allies to use their diplomatic influence and partnership platforms to protect Nigeria’s democratic values.

“Your moral voice and proactive engagement can serve as a stabilizing force,” the letter continued. “We believe that a timely intervention from the United States will send a strong message that the international community is watching and will not stand by while Nigeria’s democracy is destroyed from within.”

The group reaffirmed its commitment to what it described as a peaceful, transparent, and truly democratic Nigeria. (Nigerian Tribune)