Nigeria’s Democracy Under Existential Threat, Tinubu Weakening Opposition — Atiku

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has warned that Nigeria’s democracy is facing an existential threat, accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of deliberately shrinking democratic space and weakening opposition parties in a way that could result in a de facto one-party state.

In a statement issued 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, alongside political actions he described as corrosive to democratic values.

According to Atiku, the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has adopted a calculated approach that combines harsh economic policies with political manoeuvring aimed at eliminating viable opposition, leaving the party dominant “by default, not by merit.”

He described the steady erosion of opposition parties as one of the most troubling developments under the current administration, warning that democracy cannot survive without strong and credible alternatives.

“The systematic weakening of opposition platforms represents a grave danger to Nigeria’s democratic future,” Atiku said, adding that concerned patriots identified the risk early and rallied around the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a vehicle for national rescue.

The former vice president alleged that forces linked to the Presidency are now attempting to destabilise the ADC by meddling in its internal affairs, particularly through public pressure and speculation surrounding the party’s choice of presidential candidate.

Responding to calls in some quarters for him to step aside, Atiku rejected the demands as irresponsible and anti-democratic, describing them as veiled efforts to undermine the 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.

He reaffirmed the ADC’s commitment to an open, transparent and competitive process in selecting its presidential flagbearer, insisting that no external actor has the right to intimidate, blackmail or sabotage the party.

Atiku said the party’s immediate priority is strengthening its grassroots base, with ongoing efforts to build solid ward, local government and state structures nationwide.

He added that the ADC remains open to all genuine opposition figures, stressing that inclusiveness is the foundation of democracy, and assured that all qualified aspirants would be free to contest when the time comes, without pressure or coercion.

In a pointed remark, Atiku argued that if anyone should step aside in the national interest, it should be President Tinubu, whom he described as a growing national liability amid worsening economic conditions and rising public frustration.

The former vice president also referenced the recent public declaration of ADC membership by former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, in Enugu, describing the move as politically significant, particularly in the Southeast.

He alleged that Obi’s declaration triggered open boasts by a serving minister and presidential aides about plans to undermine the ADC, saying such reactions exposed fear within the ruling party.

“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’s democracy would not be surrendered without a fight.

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