The Lagos State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Chairmen Forum has cautioned against what it described as growing attempts by the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) to steer Nigeria toward a one-party structure, urging citizens to defend the country’s democratic space.

Addressing journalists in Lagos at the weekend, the Forum’s chairman, Aderounmu Wasiu Adeyemi, warned that weakening opposition voices could erode democratic principles and encourage authoritarian tendencies.

He stressed that a vibrant multi-party system remains essential for accountability, inclusiveness, and good governance.

The Forum also criticised recent urban renewal actions by the Lagos State Government, particularly demolitions in waterfront communities, saying such exercises have left many residents displaced without proper consultation or resettlement plans.

It described the situation as a humanitarian concern requiring urgent government attention.

Beyond housing issues, the group expressed dissatisfaction with what it termed declining living conditions in the state.

It pointed to challenges in healthcare delivery, especially in underserved areas, and raised concerns over rising insecurity, including cult-related violence and kidnappings, which it said continue to threaten public safety.

According to the Forum, the current administration has not adequately addressed key sectors such as economic stability, infrastructure, and public welfare, leading to increased hardship among residents.

It added that many Lagosians feel disconnected from policies that directly affect their daily lives.

The PDP leaders further called for stronger collaboration among opposition parties to present a credible alternative capable of addressing governance challenges and restoring public confidence.

They also appealed to the judiciary to ensure timely resolution of pending legal matters involving the party, emphasising the importance of upholding justice and institutional independence.

Reaffirming its internal structure, the Forum pledged loyalty to the state and national leadership of the PDP, while acknowledging prominent party figures including Seyi Makinde and Olabode George for their roles in guiding the party.

The group encouraged residents of Lagos to remain steadfast, assuring that the opposition remains committed to advocating policies focused on the welfare and prosperity of the people.

 “We unequivocally condemn the severe hardships currently being experienced by citizens under the APC-led administration. Across critical sectors including: economic stability, security, infrastructure, and public welfare, this government has consistently fallen short of its responsibilities to the people of Lagos State.

“It is disheartening that many residents now feel alienated in their own land, subjected to policies that appear disconnected from their daily realities and welfare.

“It is evident that the APC administration has lost direction. However, Nigerians are increasingly politically conscious and understand the urgent need for unity among opposition parties to provide a credible alternative capable of delivering a safer, fairer, and more prosperous Lagos and Nigeria.

“At this critical juncture, we must sound a clear warning against the dangerous drift toward a one-party system in Nigeria. A one-party system is fundamentally incompatible with democratic ideals; it breeds authoritarianism, suppresses dissent, and ultimately paves the way for dictatorship.

“Nigeria’s democracy was built on the foundation of pluralism, healthy opposition, and the free contest of ideas. We recall vividly that when the APC was in opposition, the PDP, as the ruling party at the time, never gagged or suppressed opposition voices. Democracy was allowed to thrive.

“Notably, President Bola Tinubu himself moved freely across political platforms from the Alliance for Democracy (AD) to the Action Congress (AC), to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), and eventually into the APC, without intimidation or suppression. That political freedom must not now be denied to others.

“We therefore firmly reject the APC’s emerging one-party logic. Nigeria does not belong to any single party, and it certainly is not an APC country. This nation belongs to all Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation.”

The Forum also affirmed its loyalty to Dr Amos Fawole led state exco and Dr. Tanimu Turaki led national leadership as the duly elected and legitimate authorities of the party.

“We also proudly recognize and align with our national leaders, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, and Chief Olabode George, whose leadership continues to provide direction, stability, and inspiration for our great party.

“We, therefore, urge all Lagosians to remain steadfast and resilient in the face of these challenges, which have been exacerbated by policies that fail to prioritize the welfare of the people. Be assured that the opposition remains committed to providing purposeful leadership and people-oriented governance at both the state and national levels,” it said.