The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has welcomed President Bola Tinubu’s decision to grant asylum and protection to Mr. Fernando Dia Da Costa, the opposition presidential candidate in the recently concluded Guinea-Bissau election.
Citing statements attributed to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, and his Special Assistant on Media and Communications, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the PDP noted that Nigeria’s move was aimed at shielding Mr Da Costa from threats to his life, safeguarding the democratic aspirations of the people of Guinea-Bissau, and reinforcing the country’s longstanding commitment to peace and stability in the West African sub-region.
While acknowledging Nigeria’s intervention as a positive step towards preserving democracy and regional harmony, the PDP urged President Tinubu to demonstrate similar adherence to democratic principles within Nigeria.
The party stressed that although the President is not expected to support opposition parties, he is constitutionally obliged to ensure that Nigeria’s political landscape remains open, competitive, and devoid of intimidation.
The PDP added that the same democratic values underpinning Nigeria’s role in Guinea-Bissau should guide the President’s domestic conduct to protect Nigeria’s electoral integrity and prevent any drift towards a one-party state.