Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing an existential threat, accusing the administration of President Bola Tinubu of deliberately weakening opposition parties and shrinking democratic space.
In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by his spokesman, Paul Ibe, Atiku said Nigerians had endured nearly three years of economic hardship under the current administration, alongside political actions he claimed were undermining democratic values.
He alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) was pursuing a strategy of harsh economic policies and political manoeuvres aimed at eliminating viable opposition, leaving the party dominant “by default, not by merit.”
Atiku described the sustained erosion of opposition parties as one of the most disturbing developments under the Tinubu administration, warning that democracy cannot survive without strong and credible alternatives.
He said patriotic leaders had identified the danger early and rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a platform to rescue Nigeria’s democracy. He further alleged that forces aligned with the Presidency were now attempting to destabilise the ADC by interfering in its internal affairs, particularly through pressure over the party’s presidential ticket.
Reacting to calls for him to step aside, Atiku dismissed such demands as irresponsible and anti-democratic, describing them as attempts to weaken the opposition and advance authoritarian interests. He insisted that the ADC would adopt an open, transparent and competitive process in selecting its presidential candidate.
The former vice president said the party’s immediate focus was on strengthening grassroots structures nationwide and assured that all qualified aspirants would be free to contest without intimidation or coercion.
He also described the recent declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi as politically significant, alleging that the reaction from government officials showed fear within the ruling party.
Atiku concluded that the ADC would resist intimidation and sabotage, insisting that Nigeria would not surrender its democracy without a fight.
