Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised alarms over what he described as an existential threat to Nigeria’s democracy, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately weakening opposition parties and shrinking political space, potentially paving the way for a de facto one-party state.
In a statement released yesterday and signed by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Nigerians have endured nearly three years of severe economic hardship under the Tinubu-led government. He argued that policies and political actions from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) have systematically undermined democratic values.
“Atiku accused the APC of pursuing a calculated strategy combining harsh economic measures with political maneuvers aimed at eliminating viable opposition, leaving the party dominant ‘by default, not by merit,’” the statement added.
Highlighting what he described as the most disturbing trend under the current administration, Atiku warned that the sustained weakening of opposition parties poses a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future. He praised the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for national rescue and alleged that forces aligned with the Presidency were attempting to destabilize the party by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly regarding the choice of presidential candidate.
Responding to calls for him to step aside, Atiku dismissed the demands as “irresponsible and anti-democratic,” asserting that such moves were subtle attempts to weaken opposition and advance authoritarian interests.
“Atiku Abubakar, alongside other committed patriots, is central to this rescue mission. Any call, overt or covert, for him to step aside is a betrayal of democratic choice and a disservice to the Nigerian people,” the statement said.
The former vice president reaffirmed ADC’s commitment to an open, transparent, and competitive process in selecting its presidential flagbearer, insisting that external actors have no authority to intimidate or sabotage the party. He emphasized that the party is focused on strengthening grassroots structures nationwide and remains open to all genuine opposition figures.
Atiku further suggested that if anyone should consider stepping aside in the national interest, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as a growing national liability amid worsening economic conditions and public frustration.
He also referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi in Enugu, calling it politically significant, particularly in the Southeast. Atiku claimed that the declaration provoked fears within the ruling party, revealing attempts to undermine the ADC.
“The panic is evident. The rising acceptance of the ADC as a credible alternative has unsettled those who benefit from the status quo,” Atiku said.
He concluded by vowing that the ADC would resist intimidation, intrigue, and sabotage, insisting that Nigeria would not surrender its democracy without a fight.
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