PDP cautions that Supreme Court ruling upholding Rivers State emergency may undermine democracy, federalism, and elected officials’ autonomy in Nigeria
The Peoples Democratic Party on Monday criticised the Supreme Court judgment affirming the six-month state of emergency imposed on Rivers State by President Bola Tinubu on March 18, 2025, warning that the decision sets a dangerous precedent for Nigeria’s democracy.
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The opposition party raised concerns that the apex court’s ruling, which upheld the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, his deputy Prof. Ngozi Odu, and state lawmakers, could weaken Nigeria’s federal structure and pave the way for authoritarian governance.
The judgment stemmed from a suit filed by PDP governors in April, challenging the constitutionality of the emergency declaration. In place of the elected government, President Tinubu appointed retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas as Sole Administrator for six months.
The emergency rule ended on September 23, 2025, with the suspended officials having since resumed office.
In a statement issued by National Publicity Secretary Ini Ememobong, the PDP described the ruling as a grave threat to constitutional order, asserting that it may embolden the Federal Government to undermine state autonomy and dismantle democratically elected institutions under the guise of restoring peace and security.
The Supreme Court delivered a six-to-one majority decision affirming the President’s powers under Section 305 of the 1999 Constitution to declare a state of emergency and take “extraordinary measures,” including temporary suspension of elected officials.
Justice Mohammed Idris, in the lead judgment, noted that the Constitution grants the President discretion to act during emergency situations to prevent breakdowns of law and order.
Justice Obande Ogbuinya dissented, asserting that while the President can declare emergencies, such powers do not extend to suspending democratically elected governors, deputies, or legislators.
The PDP warned that the judgment could render state governments subordinate to the Federal Government, forcing political compliance with the ruling party.
The party also raised concerns that the interpretation of Section 305(3)(c) could be extended in the future to justify suspensions of other constitutional institutions, including the judiciary.
Calling for urgent legislative safeguards, the PDP urged the National Assembly to clearly define and limit presidential emergency powers, while appealing to Nigerians, civil society, the media, and the international community to defend constitutionalism, federalism, and the electoral mandate.
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The party expressed hope that the Supreme Court would provide further clarification on emergency powers in the future.
