The Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) has strongly criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent decisions in Rivers State, warning that his actions are a threat to democracy and the rule of law.
In a statement released on Monday in Abuja, CUPP’s National Secretary, Chief Peter Ameh, expressed concern over what he described as President Tinubu’s undemocratic interference in the state. He pointed to the declaration of a state of emergency and the appointment of a retired military officer as a sole administrator—moves he said bypass existing democratic institutions and processes.
“These decisions are not only unconstitutional, they are a direct threat to democracy and the rule of law,” Ameh said.
The CUPP specifically criticized the dismissal of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC) members, who were reportedly replaced with a sole administrator. This, according to the group, violates a Supreme Court ruling and goes against the principles of democratic governance.
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Ameh said Nigeria has spent the last two decades building a democratic system, and that the recent developments in Rivers State could undo much of that progress.
“This administration seems to be dismantling local democratic structures in Rivers through undemocratic actions. The replacement of elected officials with appointees is a threat to democracy and the rule of law,” he stated.
Citing Section 7 of the Nigerian Constitution, which provides for democratically elected local governments, CUPP questioned the legal basis for installing a sole administrator. The coalition said there is no constitutional support for such appointments, especially in a democracy.
Ameh also referred to a recent Supreme Court judgment that supported financial independence for local governments—something widely seen as a win for grassroots democracy. However, he said Tinubu’s actions in Rivers now raise doubts about his commitment to constitutional governance.
“This move flouts the very Constitution the President swore to protect,” he said, warning that such actions could set a dangerous trend for other states.
He also voiced concern that using security forces to remove elected leaders could open the door to more violations of democratic norms.
CUPP urged President Tinubu to reverse the decisions and allow democratic governance to function as laid out in the Constitution.
“This kind of unchecked power, exercised without legal backing, is a threat to democracy and the rule of law. Rivers State deserves a government chosen by its people, not one imposed through force,” Ameh concluded.
The coalition called on Nigerians, civil society groups, and the international community to stand up in defense of democracy and insist on respect for constitutional order.
