Atiku Camp Condemns Tinubu's Governance, Warns of Democratic Erosion
In a sharp critique, the camp of former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has launched a scathing attack on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's administration, accusing it of systematically undermining Nigeria's democratic foundations. Phrank Shaibu, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication to Atiku Abubakar, issued a strongly worded statement alleging that the government is dangerously consolidating power, thereby shrinking the nation's democratic space.
Allegations of Power Consolidation and Opposition Fear
Shaibu argued that despite over 30 state governors reportedly aligning with the ruling party, which should foster greater political openness and healthy competition, Nigeria is instead witnessing a growing fear of opposition and electoral contest. He highlighted that the administration already commands significant institutional advantages, including control of the security architecture, incumbency power, access to national resources, and influence across key institutions. Yet, he claimed there remains a visible anxiety about the opposition and the Nigerian people.
"Beyond coercing governors and political heavyweights into its fold, the Tinubu administration already commands the instruments of state power... yet there remains a visible anxiety about the opposition and, more importantly, about the Nigerian people," Shaibu stated.
Critique of Temporary Relief Measures
Shaibu dismissed what he described as "stomach infrastructure politics," asserting that temporary relief measures such as the distribution of rice and spaghetti cannot replace public trust or guarantee electoral legitimacy. "Bags of rice, spaghetti, and indomie may offer temporary relief, but they cannot secure legitimacy at the ballot box," he emphasized, warning that attempts to rely on such gestures would ultimately fail.
Concerns Over Electoral Processes and Opposition Destabilization
The statement further alleged that opposition parties have been destabilized by internal crises, worsened by judicial inconsistencies and conflicting court interpretations. Shaibu raised concerns over electoral processes, claiming that administrative decisions have increasingly created perceptions of bias in favor of the ruling party. He also criticized the growing use of detention orders against opposition figures, cautioning that such actions risk undermining democratic freedoms.
Shaibu named several political figures—including Rotimi Amaechi, Peter Obi, Rabiu Kwankwaso, Abubakar Malami, Nasir El-Rufai, David Mark, and Rauf Aregbesola—as operating within what he described as a narrowing political environment. He warned that a democracy where one party dominates while weakening opposition structures risks sliding into "a one-party state in all but name."
Commitment to Democratic Principles and 2027 Elections
Shaibu reaffirmed Atiku Abubakar's commitment to a democratic system where leadership is determined by the will of the people, not institutional pressure or alleged manipulation of the political process. "As 2027 approaches, the question is no longer abstract: why is a government with such vast control still afraid of a free and fair election?" he questioned.
The statement concluded by urging Nigerians to remain alert to the stakes for the country's democratic future, insisting that power must remain accountable and competition must be preserved to safeguard Nigeria's governance framework.
