The Peoples Democratic Party has warned President Bola Tinubu over what it described as Nigeria’s deteriorating democratic credentials, following a report which it said classified the country as a “full authoritarian state.”

The opposition party said the assessment by the Human Rights Foundation should serve as a warning to the Tinubu administration ahead of the 2027 general elections.

The PDP, in a statement issued on Saturday by the National Publicity Secretary of the Tanimu Turaki-led Interim National Working Committee, Ini Ememobong, said the report had confirmed concerns it had previously raised about the state of democracy in Nigeria.

According to the party, the assessment examined issues including electoral integrity, institutional checks and balances, freedom of expression and the treatment of political opposition.

It alleged that Nigeria’s poor performance in those areas reflected what it described as the country’s “full descent into authoritarianism.”

The PDP said the development was particularly concerning ahead of the 2027 presidential election, which it argued would determine more than the occupant of Aso Rock.

“The President must realise that there are two contests embedded in the 2027 Presidential elections—the presidency and the country,” the party said.

It warned that an attempt to secure the presidency “at all costs” could come at the expense of Nigeria’s democratic system.

“An attempt to focus on winning the former at all costs may result in the loss of the latter; and only a free, fair, credible and peaceful contest can guarantee a win for both coveted prizes,” the PDP added.

The party accused the Tinubu administration of weakening democratic institutions, shrinking political space and allegedly using state institutions against political opponents.

It particularly questioned the effectiveness of the National Assembly in exercising its constitutional oversight over the executive.

The PDP argued that the legislature’s failure to adequately challenge the executive over government policies and the implementation of the Appropriation Act could further weaken democratic checks and balances.

“A parliament that ignores or blatantly disrespects the country’s constitution and its own standing rules during critical legislative activities cannot offer credible oversight of the executive,” the party stated.

The opposition party also alleged the “continuous asphyxiation of the opposition” and accused the government of the “clear weaponisation of security agencies against real and perceived opponents.”

It expressed concern that such developments, alongside what it described as growing partisanship in the electoral process, could undermine public confidence in the 2027 elections.

The PDP further cited recent controversy involving Catholic Archbishop Emeritus of Abuja, Cardinal John Onaiyekan, and the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of Nigeria as part of what it described as a broader pattern of restrictions on freedom of expression.

“This incident is one of many which eloquently attests to the absence of freedom of speech under this administration,” the party said.

The opposition party urged Tinubu’s administration to reduce political tensions and guarantee an environment where opposition parties could operate freely.

It insisted that Nigerians must be allowed to determine their leaders through a free, fair and credible electoral process.

The PDP’s warning comes as the party itself continues to grapple with an internal leadership crisis, with rival factions claiming control of its structures.

The Turaki-led faction has remained engaged in legal and political battles with the faction associated with the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.