Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has accused President Bola Tinubu of systematically eroding Nigeria’s democratic foundations through actions he described as targeted, undemocratic, and aimed at weakening the opposition ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement posted on his verified X (formerly Twitter) account, Atiku welcomed the reopening of Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan’s previously sealed office but criticized the initial closure as an attempt to silence opposition voices and deny the people of Kogi Central their constitutional representation.
He drew parallels between the incident and the ongoing political turmoil in Rivers State, where Governor Siminalayi Fubara and some members of the state House of Assembly faced suspension.
Atiku described the events as unconstitutional and part of a broader campaign to suppress dissent.
“They are deliberate markers of the Tinubu administration’s strategy as 2027 approaches: to subvert our hard-earned democracy and compromise the will of the people at any cost,” Atiku said.
The former vice president further alleged that the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under President Tinubu is using state institutions to intimidate opposition figures.
He cited incidents in Kaduna and Katsina, including reports that former Kaduna Governor Nasir el-Rufai was attacked at an African Democratic Congress (ADC) event.
According to Atiku, these events reflect an alarming trend of political intolerance and growing authoritarianism.
Atiku, who was Tinubu’s main challenger in the disputed 2023 presidential election, warned that the pattern of political suppression could undermine the electoral process as the nation moves towards 2027.
The 2023 polls, which were also contested by Peter Obi of the Labour Party, were upheld by the courts despite widespread claims of irregularities.
In recent months, Atiku and Obi have hinted at the possibility of a coalition to unseat the APC in the next general election.
Reaffirming his commitment to democratic principles, Atiku stated:
“Let it be clear: on our part, we shall do everything legitimate and within the bounds of the law to protect our democracy, defend the sovereignty of the people’s mandate, and rescue our nation from the grip of authoritarianism.”
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and reject any attempts to roll back the democratic gains achieved since the return to civilian rule in 1999.
