By Luminous Jannamike

ABUJA — The Resource Centre for Human Rights and Civic Education, CHRICED, on Tuesday warned that attacks on opposition political parties were pushing Nigeria’s democracy towards ‘an authoritarian project wearing democratic clothing,’ as it accused the Federal Government of fiscal recklessness, weakening democratic institutions and eroding public accountability.

The group said the country was grappling with a deepening governance crisis reflected in controversial budget allocations, rising public debt, alleged misuse of public funds, constitutional disputes and unresolved national controversies.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, CHRICED Executive Director, Comrade Ibrahim Zikirullahi, alleged that intimidation of opposition politicians, arbitrary arrests, disruption of political activities and the weaponisation of security agencies were shrinking the democratic space ahead of the 2027 general elections.

“A democracy without a vibrant opposition is not a democracy, it is an authoritarian project wearing democratic clothing,” Zikirullahi said.

“Opposition parties are not enemies of the state; they are essential pillars of democratic accountability. When government actors attack opposition voices, they attack the Constitution itself.”

The organisation urged security agencies and the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to remain neutral and end what it described as political persecution.

CHRICED also criticised the 2026 Appropriation Act, citing what it called questionable allocations, including N8.05 billion for the construction and furnishing of churches and mosques and N780 million for church musical instruments through the Office of the Deputy Speaker.

“Why should scarce public funds be used to buy musical instruments when millions of Nigerians cannot afford food, have no jobs, and lack access to healthcare and education?” Zikirullahi asked.

The group further questioned N500 million for an international communications campaign to counter allegations of religious persecution, US$9 million for a United States lobbying contract to improve Nigeria’s image and ₦6.44 billion budgeted for FIFA World Cup qualifying activities after Nigeria had already failed to qualify.

It also alleged that billions of naira appropriated for the National Commission for Almajiri and Out-of-School Children Education were diverted to road projects, solar streetlights and empowerment schemes in Ogun, Katsina and Ekiti states.

“It appears the government and politicians have become comfortable watching the children of the poor remain out of school. This is not just mismanagement, it is wickedness and inhumanity.”

On the economy, CHRICED expressed concern that Nigeria’s public debt had risen to ₦159.28 trillion, questioning why borrowing continued despite higher government revenues and why ministries, departments and agencies still complained of poor budget releases.

The organisation also faulted the constitutional amendment process, accusing the National Assembly of prioritising the executive-backed State Police Bill while sidelining earlier proposals.

“State police cannot succeed on a faulty foundation of poorly motivated federal police, states dependent on federal allocations, proliferation of arms and political militias created to rig elections,” Zikirullahi said, insisting that constitutional amendments should emerge from broad public consultations and a national referendum.

CHRICED further demanded accountability over the alleged N1.3 billion Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council scandal and called for the suspension of the President’s Chief of Staff, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, pending investigation.

The group also sought clarification over the circumstances surrounding the Oriire school abduction after a victim reportedly claimed the children were released by their captors rather than rescued, and urged authorities to investigate allegations that billions of naira were paid in connection with their freedom.

On the death of 26-year-old nurse Mary Habila at the country home of the Minister of Works, David Umahi, CHRICED called for an independent investigation and urged that the minister step aside while inquiries continue.

Among its recommendations, the organisation urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to enforce greater fiscal discipline and strengthen accountability, while asking the National Assembly to restore credibility to the budget process.

It also called on the Budget Office, Auditor-General, ICPC and EFCC to investigate allegations of budget irregularities and urged the National Sports Commission to account for the N6.44 billion allocated for World Cup qualifying activities.

CHRICED further appealed to civil society groups, the media, faith-based organisations, professional bodies and development partners to intensify efforts to promote transparency and constitutional governance ahead of the 2027 elections.

“Nigeria stands at a crossroads. Our democracy cannot survive on secrecy, impunity, and disregard for constitutional norms. It can only thrive when transparency replaces opacity, accountability replaces impunity, public resources serve the people, not private interests, and political competition is protected, not persecuted,” Zikirullahi said.