Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has issued a stark warning, declaring that Nigeria's democratic system is confronting an existential threat. He directly accused the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deliberately shrinking the nation's democratic space and weakening opposition parties.
A Calculated Strategy to Eliminate Opposition
In a statement released by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku argued that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is executing a calculated plan. He claimed this strategy merges harsh economic policies with political manoeuvres designed to eliminate viable opposition, leaving the APC dominant "by default, not by merit."
Atiku stated that Nigerians have endured nearly three years of severe economic hardship under Tinubu's government. He contends this is coupled with actions that undermine core democratic values. The systematic erosion of opposition platforms, he stressed, represents one of the most troubling developments of the current era.
ADC as the Platform for National Rescue
The former presidential candidate revealed that concerned patriotic leaders, recognizing the danger early, have rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform for national rescue. Atiku Abubakar described himself as central to this mission, alongside other committed patriots.
He dismissed calls for him to step aside from the political process as irresponsible and anti-democratic. "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 read. Instead, Atiku argued that if anyone should step aside for the national interest, it should be President Tinubu, whom he labelled a growing national liability.
Resisting External Interference and Sabotage
Atiku alleged that forces aligned with the Presidency are now attempting to destabilize the ADC. He cited interference in its internal affairs, particularly through public pressure over the party's choice of presidential candidate. He referenced the recent public declaration for ADC by former Labour Party candidate Peter Obi in Enugu as a politically significant move that triggered panic.
"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 claimed that a serving minister and presidential aides have openly boasted about plans to undermine the ADC following Obi's declaration.
The ADC reaffirmed its commitment to an open and transparent process for selecting its presidential flagbearer. The party insists no external actor has the right to intimidate or sabotage it. Atiku stated the party's immediate focus is on strengthening grassroots structures nationwide and remains open to all genuine opposition figures. He concluded with a vow that Nigeria would not surrender its democracy without a fight.
