President Bola Tinubu is being accused by Atiku Abubakar, a former vice president and ADC head, of deliberately destroying democracy and dragging Nigeria into complete authoritarianism, which would have disastrous consequences for the whole West African subregion.
In a scathing denunciation on Monday, Atiku responded to what he portrayed as a state-sponsored siege on the homes and businesses of former Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami. He characterised the action as lawless, vengeful, and driven by political motives.
Despite the matter being pending in court, Atiku’s media office reports that the DSS swiftly sealed Malami’s properties shortly after his visit.
I am not governing. This is threatening behaviour. The dictatorship is using state power as a weapon to stifle dissent, according to Atiku.
Under Tinubu, he said, democratic values in Nigeria are quickly eroding, and state institutions are being used as instruments of political persecution.
Security services have been employed for political score-settling rather than national security, and what we are witnessing is the clear misuse of power. Democracy crumbles in this way, he declared.
Before the 2027 elections, Atiku claimed that the Tinubu government was coordinating an effort to silence critics and consolidate power.
This administration is absolutely frightened of rival businesses. He went on to say that this is why the government is trying to intimidate and subdue opposition leaders through the use of excessive force.
He went on to say that prominent personalities like Nasir El-Rufai and Abubakar Malami are being deliberately singled out in an effort to force them to leave opposition politics and align themselves with the ruling APC.
Join us or perish—this is the pinnacle of political blackmail. Atiku stated that this was the intended message.
The ex-vice president of Nigeria has voiced concern that the country is verging on becoming a one-party state.
Elections become meaningless when dissent is penalised and resistance is criminalised. “Please, let INEC cease squandering public funds on this fraudulent election if Tinubu wishes to run unchallenged,” he added.
The current trajectory, Atiku said in a terrifying analogy, is similar to the notorious self-succession conspiracy that occurred during Abacha’s rule.
“This script is not new to us. A national embarrassment ensued. He cautioned that the current situation is a risky rerun that the Nigerian people must fight against.
In addition, he said that the government was pressuring elected officials to resign by utilising anti-corruption authorities as a tool of political pressure.
Political leaders and governors are being coerced into joining the APC by the prospect of retaliation. He characterised the situation as “state capture,” rather than politics.
When Atiku saw that one guy was trying to use the political system to further his own interests, he questioned the institution’s moral foundation.
No one has the authority to take control of the lives of more than 200 million Nigerians for their own personal gain. “Ownership is not leadership,” he declared.
The ability to freely choose is fundamental to a democratic society, Atiku continued. Dictatorship ensues upon its elimination. Even though he claims to be running a democracy, Tinubu is actually planning a civilian coup that will leave Nigerians with no real choices.
“A self-assured leader loves a good challenge. Fear of it is reserved for the feeble and uncertain. “Nigerians are watching this administration’s actions as they reveal their fear.”