Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has cautioned President Bola Tinubu that distributing food items as palliatives will not secure electoral legitimacy ahead of the 2027 general elections.
In a statement issued on Tuesday through his aide, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that items such as rice, spaghetti, and noodles may provide short-term relief to citizens but cannot replace public trust or determine the outcome of elections.
He further alleged that despite the ruling All Progressives Congress expanding its political influence across the country, there are signs of unease within the government.
According to him, this reflects apprehension about opposition forces and the electorate.
Atiku claimed that the administration’s growing control over political structures and institutions has not translated into confidence but instead suggests concern over credible opposition and free political competition.
He also expressed worries about what he described as attempts to weaken opposition parties through internal crises and the use of judicial processes.
According to him, some court decisions have created confusion and raised questions about the integrity of legal procedures.
The former presidential candidate criticised what he termed the misuse of state power against opposition figures, citing instances of controversial detention orders and actions that could undermine democratic principles.
Warning against a potential drift toward a one-party system, Atiku said Nigeria risks eroding democratic values if the current trend continues, where elections may exist but genuine competition is limited.
He stressed that leadership should be determined by the will of the people rather than through institutional control or suppression of dissent.
He also urged Nigerians to remain vigilant and actively engaged as the next general elections approach.
Atiku concluded by questioning why a government with significant political control would still be wary of free and fair elections, insisting that Nigerians deserve both transparency and real choice at the polls.
