UK High Commission Meets PDP Faction Over Nigerian Democracy

The High Commission of the United Kingdom met with a faction of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Abuja on Thursday to discuss the state of democracy in Nigeria. Led by Senior Political Adviser Dr. Fortune Aldred, the UK delegation focused on the role of the opposition, internal leadership disputes within the PDP, and the potential 2027 presidential candidacy of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

During the meeting, Kabiru Turaki accused the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led federal government of state capture and using state institutions to suppress opposition parties. Turaki claimed the political climate has reached fever-pitch levels due to the actions of the ruling party.

Dr. Aldred noted that the Commission must observe and report political developments through diplomatic channels, though he acknowledged Nigeria's sovereignty. The APC-led government rejected the PDP's allegations, asserting that Nigeria's democratic institutions remain independent.