Human rights lawyer and activist, Deji Adeyanju, has criticized the leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party and Labour Party, urging them to take stronger action in holding the ruling All Progressives Congress accountable.
During an interview with Arise News, Adeyanju expressed disappointment over the opposition parties’ failure to effectively challenge the APC government.
The remarks came in response to threats of legal action from the acting PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagun, and National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu, following Adeyanju’s criticism of the opposition parties. In response, Adeyanju clarified that his statements were meant to encourage the opposition to fulfill their responsibility of holding the government accountable.
He expressed confidence in facing any legal challenges, describing the threats as an attempt to stifle critical voices.
Adeyanju emphasized that his comments were intended to push the opposition to become more active in challenging the government.
The activist pointed out that both the PDP and LP have failed to provide a credible opposition to the APC, urging them to do more to hold the government accountable. Adeyanju further stressed that he had no malice toward anyone but simply wanted the opposition to rise to their duty of opposing the government effectively.
He said, “I’m happy and excited that it has gotten their attention. The idea behind these remarks, the majority of these remarks, is for people in the opposition to be alive to the responsibility of holding government accountable at all levels.
“The PDP and the Labour Party have not held government accountable, and they have not been credible oppositions to the APC government, and they must do better.
“For me, basically, I’m of the opinion that if metrical statements were made concerning people and they feel like they want to sue me, so be it. I would be glad and willing.
“I’ve said it time and again that arrest is like public relations for me, and jail is campaign for me. Those are some of the things I enjoy.
“There is no malice against anyone. All I’m asking is for the opposition to be a credible one, to wake up to their responsibility, to be alive to opposing the government.”
