The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has raised alarm over a recent Supreme Court judgment affirming the president’s constitutional authority to declare a state of emergency and, in some interpretations, to temporarily suspend elected state officials, warning that the ruling could undermine Nigeria’s constitutional democracy and federal structure.
In a formal statement, the PDP expressed deep concern that the apex court’s interpretation of Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution delivered in a split decision on a suit challenging the legal basis for emergency rule in Rivers State, may be exploited to weaken the autonomy of state governments. The party argued that the constitution does not explicitly empower the president or federal institutions to suspend governors and state assemblies outside judicial or legislature-mandated processes, and cautioned that the ruling could set a dangerous precedent if left unchecked.
PDP officials stressed their view that allowing broad executive discretion in emergency declarations risks concentrating excessive power at the centre, making state governments subservient to federal authority and eroding democratic gains. They urged the National Assembly to initiate constitutional reforms to clearly define and limit presidential emergency powers in order to prevent abuse.
The party also appealed for vigilance from civil society, the media and the international democratic community to defend constitutionalism and federalism, emphasizing that clarity on the scope of emergency powers is essential for maintaining Nigeria’s democratic stability and balance of powers.
